Research on composite materials is facing, among others, the challenging task of incorporating nanocrystals, and their superstructures, in polymer matrices. Electron microscopy can typically image nanometre-scale structures embedded in thin polymer films, but not in films that are micron size thick. Here, X-ray Ptychography was used to visualize, with a resolution of a few tens of nanometers, how CdSe/CdS octapod-shaped nanocrystals self-assemble in polystyrene films of 24 ± 4 ?m, providing a unique means for non-destructive investigation of nanoparticles distribution and organization in thick polymer films.

Ptychographic imaging of branched colloidal nanocrystals embedded in free-standing thick polystyrene films

De Caro Liberato;Altamura Davide;Siliqi Dritan;Sibillano Teresa;Giannini Cinzia
2016

Abstract

Research on composite materials is facing, among others, the challenging task of incorporating nanocrystals, and their superstructures, in polymer matrices. Electron microscopy can typically image nanometre-scale structures embedded in thin polymer films, but not in films that are micron size thick. Here, X-ray Ptychography was used to visualize, with a resolution of a few tens of nanometers, how CdSe/CdS octapod-shaped nanocrystals self-assemble in polystyrene films of 24 ± 4 ?m, providing a unique means for non-destructive investigation of nanoparticles distribution and organization in thick polymer films.
2016
Istituto di Cristallografia - IC
X-ray imaging
CDI
ptychography
polymer
nanocrystals
composites
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/342493
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 11
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 11
social impact