Population statistics of gold nanoparticle morphologies: direct determination by HREM observations

摘要: Abstract Population distributions of gold nanoparticle morphologies were able to be derived as a function size by collecting great number high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) images. We observed more than 4000 individual nanoparticles (3–18 nm) which generated from an inert gas aggregation source using helium and deposited on amorphous carbon films. To obtain structural features three-dimensionally not miss high-contrast images, 20 photos taken for each particle changing tilting angle specimen holder in combination with the through-focus procedure. In order perform reliable determinations, HREM images their sequences directly compared multislice-simulation results icosahedral, decahedral face-centered cubic morphologies, finally population distribution morphology was obtained size. present sample, icosahedral particles dominantly populated over range non-spherical truncated bi-pyramid shape secondly dominant. Even though large sampling has been done, few crystalline observed. The experimental statistical provide important information cluster growth phenomena.