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Decahedra and Icosahedra Everywhere: The Anomalous Crystallization of Au and Other Metals at the Nanoscale

Journal Article · · Crystal Research and Technology
Throughout history, objects with fivefold symmetry have been a popular topic of interest for artists, philosophers, and scientists. This may be because fivefold symmetry is very conspicuous in nature. In the case of crystals, fivefold rotational symmetry is mathematically forbidden, and macroscopic crystals exhibiting fivefold symmetry have never been shown to exist. Nevertheless, in the nanoworld, nanoparticles are often found with decahedral and icosahedral shapes that have an overall pseudo–fivefold symmetry. These structures are observed at many length scales, from 1 nm up to 1 µm. In this review, several reasons for the stability of fivefold nanoparticles are discussed. Finally, these include the formation of twin boundaries, surface reconstruction faceting, and other factors.
Research Organization:
Northern Arizona Univ., Flagstaff, AZ (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0023343
OSTI ID:
2417752
Journal Information:
Crystal Research and Technology, Journal Name: Crystal Research and Technology Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 58; ISSN 0232-1300
Publisher:
WileyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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