Home > Press > Scientists uncover chemical transformations in cobalt nanoparticles
 |
Provided/Robinson lab
The evolution schematics of transition from cobalt to cobalt phosphide nanocrystals. |
Abstract:
Understanding the intricacies of how nanoparticles undergo chemical transformations could lead to better ways to tailor their composition, which can lead to advanced material properties.
Scientists uncover chemical transformations in cobalt nanoparticles
Ithaca, NY | Posted on May 24th, 2011
Using the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, scientists led by Richard Robinson, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, uncovered exactly what happens when cobalt nanoparticles transform into two phases of cobalt phosphides.
Their work, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry, was featured by the journal as a "Hot Article" earlier this month.
The effect Robinson's team observed in the cobalt phosphide transitions was a nanoparticle hollowing due to asymmetric diffusivities of cations and anions. In other words, the cations move out from the core faster than anions can diffuse in, leading to a hollow particle.
Other groups have reported on this "Kirkendall" effect, but the Robinson team was the first to show that this hollowing is more complex than previously thought and can be studied as a two-step process. Their work could be used to control this process and produce complex particles with properties tailored for use in energy applications. Metal phosphides have a wide range of properties -- ferromagnetism, superconductivity, catalytic activity and magnetoresistance among them.
The work was done in collaboration with scientists led by Richard Hennig, assistant professor of materials science and engineering. It was supported by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the Cornell Center for Materials Research and the Energy Materials Center at Cornell.
####
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
Media Contact:
Blaine Friedlander
(607) 254-8093
Cornell Chronicle:
Anne Ju
(607) 255-9735
Copyright © Cornell University
If you have a comment, please
Contact us.
Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Bookmark:
News and information
Nanoparticle Harnesses Powerful Radiation Therapy for Cancer May 20th, 2013
Microneedle-Delivered Nanoparticles Boost Antitumor Vaccines May 20th, 2013
Competition in the Quantum World May 20th, 2013
Elsevier Business Intelligence (EBI) to Host 'IN3 Medical Device 360 Boston,' June 24-26, 2013 May 20th, 2013
Chemistry
Penn engineers' nanoantennas improve infrared sensing May 20th, 2013
Iranian Scientists Use Pomegranate Juice to Produce Copper Iodide Nanostructure May 14th, 2013
Chemistry breakthrough sheds new light on illness and health May 12th, 2013
Researchers develop unique method for creating uniform nanoparticles May 6th, 2013
Discoveries
Nanoparticle Delivers Large Protein Complex to Cancer Cell Nucleus May 20th, 2013
Protein 'Passport' Helps Nanoparticles Get Past Immune System May 20th, 2013
Nanoparticle Harnesses Powerful Radiation Therapy for Cancer May 20th, 2013
Microneedle-Delivered Nanoparticles Boost Antitumor Vaccines May 20th, 2013
Materials
Kinks and curves at the nanoscale: New research shows 'perfect twin boundaries' are not so perfect May 20th, 2013
Advancements and developments of solid-state nanopores sensors May 16th, 2013
Physicists discover a new kind of friction: Friction in the nano-world May 16th, 2013
Squishy hydrogels may be the ticket for studying biological effects of nanoparticles May 15th, 2013
Announcements
Competition in the Quantum World May 20th, 2013
Elsevier Business Intelligence (EBI) to Host 'IN3 Medical Device 360 Boston,' June 24-26, 2013 May 20th, 2013
Penn engineers' nanoantennas improve infrared sensing May 20th, 2013
Researchers Perform Fastest Measurements Ever Made of Ion Channel Proteins May 20th, 2013
Research partnerships
Kinks and curves at the nanoscale: New research shows 'perfect twin boundaries' are not so perfect May 20th, 2013
Advancements and developments of solid-state nanopores sensors May 16th, 2013
Imec and Renesas collaborate on ultra-low power short range radios: Collaboration will develop robust wireless solutions for future electronics May 16th, 2013
Silex Microsystems Joins ENIAC Project PROMINENT To Bring Flexible and Cost Effective Inkjet Technologies to the MEMS Manufacturing Process: Silex Will Develop New Solutions for Through-Silicon Via Manufacture and Hermetic Wafer Bonding May 13th, 2013