Hydrodynamic assembly of two-dimensional layered double hydroxide nanostructures

• Published in: Nature communications Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 4913 - 12
• Main Authors: Jose, Nicholas A., Zeng, Hua Chun, Lapkin, Alexei A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 21.11.2018; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 147/143; 639/301/357/1018; 639/301/357/551; Aspect ratio; Attachment; Computational fluid dynamics; Crystallization; Engineering; Fluid mechanics; Humanities and Social Sciences; Kinetics; Liquid flow; multidisciplinary; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Particle size; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Thin films; Transmission electron microscopy; Velocity; Vortices
• ISSN: 2041-1723; 2041-1723
• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07395-4

Formation mechanisms of two-dimensional nanostructures in wet syntheses are poorly understood. Even more enigmatic is the influence of hydrodynamic forces. Here we use liquid flow cell transmission electron microscopy to show that layered double hydroxide, as a model material, may form via the oriented attachment of hexagonal nanoparticles; under hydrodynamic shear, oriented attachment is accelerated. To hydrodynamically manipulate the kinetics of particle growth and oriented attachment, we develop a microreactor with high and tunable shear rates, enabling control over particle size, crystallinity and aspect ratio. This work offers new insights in the formation of two-dimensional materials, provides a scalable yet precise synthesis method, and proposes new avenues for the rational engineering and scalable production of highly anisotropic nanostructures. While liquid-phase synthesis of 2D materials presents opportunities for large-scale production, achieving precise control over product quality, size and morphology remains challenging. Here, the authors show that hydrodynamic manipulation of nanoparticle assembly enables control over crystallinity, size and aspect ratio.