{"title":"Atomic-scale imaging of structural evolution from anatase TiO2 to cubic TiO under electron beam irradiation","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.nantod.2024.102532","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The introduction of oxygen vacancies into transition metal oxides can change their phases and electronic structures, subsequently impacting the physical and chemical properties. However, comprehensively understanding the phase transition process at the atomic scale remains challenging. Here, we directly image the atomic structural evolution from anatase TiO<sub>2</sub> to cubic TiO under electron beam irradiation via in-situ scanning transmission electron microscope and electron energy loss spectroscopy, with a detailed analysis of the TiO/TiO<sub>2</sub> interfacial structure. During this process, electron beam irradiation induces the formation of oxygen vacancies on the TiO<sub>2</sub> surface, which drives the migration and rearrangement of Ti atoms. Theoretical and experimental methods are employed to provide insight into possible migration paths. Moreover, the formation of TiO is detected from other directions, but less distinct than that observed on the (010)<sub>TiO2</sub> facet. This demonstrates an interesting facet dependence attributed to variations in the formation energies of surface oxygen vacancies. In addition, subsequent irradiation on TiO does not induce new structural change, but only surface roughening. Our findings offer valuable atomic-scale insights to the complex structural evolution as well as a new method to precisely manipulate phases of the transition metal oxides.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":395,"journal":{"name":"Nano Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":13.2000,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Nano Today","FirstCategoryId":"88","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1748013224003888","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"CHEMISTRY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The introduction of oxygen vacancies into transition metal oxides can change their phases and electronic structures, subsequently impacting the physical and chemical properties. However, comprehensively understanding the phase transition process at the atomic scale remains challenging. Here, we directly image the atomic structural evolution from anatase TiO2 to cubic TiO under electron beam irradiation via in-situ scanning transmission electron microscope and electron energy loss spectroscopy, with a detailed analysis of the TiO/TiO2 interfacial structure. During this process, electron beam irradiation induces the formation of oxygen vacancies on the TiO2 surface, which drives the migration and rearrangement of Ti atoms. Theoretical and experimental methods are employed to provide insight into possible migration paths. Moreover, the formation of TiO is detected from other directions, but less distinct than that observed on the (010)TiO2 facet. This demonstrates an interesting facet dependence attributed to variations in the formation energies of surface oxygen vacancies. In addition, subsequent irradiation on TiO does not induce new structural change, but only surface roughening. Our findings offer valuable atomic-scale insights to the complex structural evolution as well as a new method to precisely manipulate phases of the transition metal oxides.
期刊介绍:
Nano Today is a journal dedicated to publishing influential and innovative work in the field of nanoscience and technology. It covers a wide range of subject areas including biomaterials, materials chemistry, materials science, chemistry, bioengineering, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, engineering, and nanotechnology. The journal considers articles that inform readers about the latest research, breakthroughs, and topical issues in these fields. It provides comprehensive coverage through a mixture of peer-reviewed articles, research news, and information on key developments. Nano Today is abstracted and indexed in Science Citation Index, Ei Compendex, Embase, Scopus, and INSPEC.