Spontaneous emergence of long-range shape symmetry

Nano Lett. 2011 Jan 12;11(1):160-3. doi: 10.1021/nl1032793. Epub 2010 Dec 13.

Abstract

Self-organization of matter is essential for natural pattern formation, chemical synthesis, as well as modern material science. Here we show that isovolumetric reactions of a single organometallic precursor allow symmetry breaking events from iron nuclei to the creation of different symmetric carbon structures: microspheres, nanotubes, and mirrored spiraling microcones. A mathematical model, based on mass conservation and chemical composition, quantitatively explains the shape growth. The genesis of such could have significant implications for material design.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't