In situ X-ray studies of adlayer-induced crystal nucleation at the liquid-liquid interface

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 Apr 23;110(17):6663-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1301800110. Epub 2013 Apr 3.

Abstract

Crystal nucleation and growth at a liquid-liquid interface is studied on the atomic scale by in situ Å-resolution X-ray scattering methods for the case of liquid Hg and an electrochemical dilute electrolyte containing Pb(2+), F(-), and Br(-) ions. In the regime negative of the Pb amalgamation potential Φ(rp) = -0.70 V, no change is observed from the surface-layered structure of pure Hg. Upon potential-induced release of Pb(2+) from the Hg bulk at Φ > Φ(rp), the formation of an intriguing interface structure is observed, comprising a well-defined 7.6-Å-thick adlayer, decorated with structurally related 3D crystallites. Both are identified by their diffraction peaks as PbFBr, preferentially aligned with their axis along the interface normal. X-ray reflectivity shows the adlayer to consist of a stack of five ionic layers, forming a single-unit-cell-thick crystalline PbFBr precursor film, which acts as a template for the subsequent quasiepitaxial 3D crystal growth. This growth behavior is assigned to the combined action of electrostatic and short-range chemical interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Electrochemistry / methods*
  • Electrolytes / chemistry*
  • Mercury / chemistry*
  • Metals / chemistry
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Static Electricity
  • Synchrotrons

Substances

  • Electrolytes
  • Metals
  • Mercury