The growth of one-dimensional CuPcF16 nanostructures on gold nanoparticles as studied by transmission electron microscopy tomography.

The growth of one-dimensional (1D) fluorinated copper-phthalocyanine (CuPcF(16)) on gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) is studied by electron tomography. The shape of the 1D structure and its geometrical relationship with the associated Au NP are determined by a three-dimensional reconstruction analysis combined with high-resolution electron microscopy. The CuPcF(16) molecules nucleate at the <110> edge of the Au nanoparticle and grow parallel to a {111} facet of the particle along a direction close to <121>.

Synthesis of fullerene-like tantalum disulfide nanoparticles by a gas-phase reaction and laser ablation.

Motivated by the discovery of the C(60) molecule (buckminsterfullerene), the search for inorganic counterparts of this closed-cage nanostructure started in 1992 with the discovery of nested fullerene-like nanoparticles of WS(2). Inorganic fullerene-like (IF) materials have since been found in numerous two-dimensional compounds and are available in a variety of shapes that offer major applications such as in lubricants and nanocomposites. Various synthetic methodologies have been employed to achieve the right conditions for the constricted or templated growth needed for the occurrence of this new phase.