Tuesday publication post! 📖 In this newest study, the #FusionAX system combined with environmental TEM (ETEM) enabled real-time visualization of plasma-driven phase transformations in Cu–Sn catalysts during silicon nanowire (SiNW) growth. The authors uncovered previously unobserved solid–liquid dynamics that govern nanoscale growth pathways under nonequilibrium conditions.
Key highlights:
🔬 ETEM captures plasma radical–driven phase transitions, revealing dynamic solid–liquid interactions within Cu–Sn catalysts
⚡ At 250 °C, H radicals induce a Cu₆Sn₅–Sn solid–liquid nanostructure, forming stable, nanoscale nucleation sites
🔥 At 400 °C, SiH₃ radicals trigger simultaneous SiNW nucleation and catalyst phase separation
🧪 A Sn-rich liquid phase supplies atomic steps, while a solid Cu₃Si phase remains epitaxially aligned—anchoring and stabilizing growth
🔄 Catalyst reorientation drives periodic reversal of step propagation, enabling the formation of ultrathin (~7 nm) SiNWs with alternating crystal phases
This work highlights how in situ plasma-enabled ETEM can reveal and control nonequilibrium growth mechanisms, opening new routes for engineering nanowires with tailored structures through dynamic catalyst design.
Want to read the entire work? Find it here!
https://www.doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c03612
Want to know more about Fusion AX?
https://www.protochips.com/solutions/in-situ-tem-solutions/in-situ-heating-and-electrical/
