Pressure-induced structural transformations in Si nanocrystals: Surface and shape effects

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.76.4384· OSTI ID:285994

Tolbert, S H; Herhold, A B; Brus, L E; Alivisatos, A P ^[1]

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1. Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 and Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720 (United States)

The kinetics of solid-solid phase transitions are explored using pressure-induced structural transformations in Si nanocrystals. In agreement with the predictions of homogeneous deformation theories, large elevations in phase transition pressure are observed in nanocrystals as compared to bulk Si, and high pressure x-ray diffraction peak widths indicate an overall change in nanocrystal shape upon transformation. In addition, unlike the BC8 phase recovered in bulk Si, amorphous Si nanoclusters are obtained upon release of pressure, providing an example of kinetic size control over solid phases. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 285994
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 23 Vol. 76; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ABSORPTION SPECTRA
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
GRAIN SIZE
NANOSTRUCTURES
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE
SILICON
SURFACE STRUCTURE
SURFACES
X-RAY DIFFRACTION
XRD