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In situ observation of coalescence of nuclei in colloidal crystal-crystal transitions

Author

Listed:
  • Yi Peng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Wei Li

    (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

  • Tim Still

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Arjun G. Yodh

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Yilong Han

    (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Coalescence of nuclei in phase transitions significantly influences the transition rate and the properties of product materials, but these processes occur rapidly and are difficult to observe at the microscopic scale. Here, we directly image the coalescence of nuclei with single particle resolution during the crystal-crystal transition from a multilayer square to triangular lattices. The coalescence process exhibits three similar stages across a variety of scenarios: coupled growth of two nuclei, their attachment, and relaxation of the coalesced nucleus. The kinetics vary with nucleus size, interface, and lattice orientation; the kinetics include acceleration of nucleus growth, small nucleus liquefaction, and generation/annihilation of defects. Related mechanisms, such as strain induced by nucleus growth and the lower energy of liquid-crystal versus crystal-crystal interfaces, appear to be common to both atomic and colloidal crystals.

Suggested Citation

  • Yi Peng & Wei Li & Tim Still & Arjun G. Yodh & Yilong Han, 2023. "In situ observation of coalescence of nuclei in colloidal crystal-crystal transitions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-40627-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40627-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Janne-Mieke Meijer & Antara Pal & Samia Ouhajji & Henk N. W. Lekkerkerker & Albert P. Philipse & Andrei V. Petukhov, 2017. "Observation of solid–solid transitions in 3D crystals of colloidal superballs," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-8, April.
    2. Minhuan Li & Zhengyuan Yue & Yanshuang Chen & Hua Tong & Hajime Tanaka & Peng Tan, 2021. "Revealing thermally-activated nucleation pathways of diffusionless solid-to-solid transition," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Marie T. Casey & Raynaldo T. Scarlett & W. Benjamin Rogers & Ian Jenkins & Talid Sinno & John C. Crocker, 2012. "Driving diffusionless transformations in colloidal crystals using DNA handshaking," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 3(1), pages 1-8, January.
    4. Yi Peng & Wei Li & Feng Wang & Tim Still & Arjun G. Yodh & Yilong Han, 2017. "Diffusive and martensitic nucleation kinetics in solid-solid transitions of colloidal crystals," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-12, August.
    5. S. Pogatscher & D. Leutenegger & J. E. K. Schawe & P. J. Uggowitzer & J. F. Löffler, 2016. "Solid–solid phase transitions via melting in metals," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-6, September.
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