Dynamic HAADF-STEM Observation of a Single-Atom Chain as the Transient State of Gold Ultrathin Nanowire Breakdown

Abstract

Ultrathin chemically grown gold nanowires undergo irremediable structural modification under external stimuli. Thanks to dynamic high-angle annular dark-field imaging, electron-beam-induced damage was followed, revealing the formation of linear chains of gold atoms as well as reactive clusters on the side, opening fascinating prospects for applications in both catalysis and electronic transport