In situ direct observation of photocorrosion in ZnO crystals in ionic liquid using a laser-equipped high-voltage electron microscope
Source abstract
Abstract
ZnO photocatalysts in water react with environmental water molecules and corrode under illumination. ZnO nanorods in water can also grow because of water splitting induced by UV irradiation. To investigate their morphological behavior caused by crystal growth and corrosion, here we developed a new laser-equipped high-voltage electron microscope and observed crystal ZnO nanorods immersed in ionic liquid. Exposing the specimen holder to a laser with a wavelength of 325 nm, we observed the photocorrosion in situ at the atomic scale for the first time. This experiment revealed that Zn and O atoms near the interface between the ZnO nanorods and the ionic liquid tended to dissolve into the liquid. The polarity and facet of the nanorods were strongly related to photocorrosion and crystal growth.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Electronic and Structural Properties of Oxides · ZnO doping and properties · Advanced Electron Microscopy Techniques and Applications
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Hokkaido University 1 Centre for Advanced Research of Energy and Materials Faculty of Engineering, , N13, W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan
Hokkaido University 2 Graduate School of Engineering, , N13, W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan
Kobelco Research Institute, Inc. 3 Marketing and Sales Unit, Analysis, Testing and Research Business, , 1-11-2 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0032, Japan
Funding
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology · Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
References (33)
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