PNNL

Abstract

The formation of nanorods, driven by the physico-chemical phenomena during the freezing of ceria nanoparticle suspension is reported. During freezing a dilute solution of CeO2 nanocrystals, some nuclei remain in solution while others are trapped inside the voids formed within the growing ice front. Over time the particles trapped within the constrained geometries combined by an oriented attachment process to form ceria nanorods. The experimental observations are further supported through Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. These observations suggest a new possible strategy for the templated formation of nanostructures through self assembly by exploiting natural phenomena such as freezing of water. "(A portion of) The research described in this paper (poster or presentation) was performed in the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research and located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory."