![HRTEM-image-from-Movie-S1-showing-the-attachment-across-a-mismatched-interface](https://cdmf.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/HRTEM-image-from-Movie-S1-showing-the-attachment-across-a-mismatched-interface.jpg)
Writers: Elson Longo, Waldir Avansi Jr., Jefferson Bettini, Juan Andrés & Lourdes Gracia
Keywords: nanocrystal; Microscopy; nanomaterials
Abstract: The study of the interaction of electron irradiation with matter and the response of the material to the passage of electrons is a very challenging problem. However, the growth mechanism observed during nanostructural evolution appears to be a broad and promising scientific field in nanotechnology. We report the in situ TEM study of nanostructural evolution of electron-driven silver (Ag) nanocrystals through an additive-free synthetic procedure. Observations revealed the direct effect of the electron beam on the morphological evolution of Ag nanocrystals through different mechanisms, such as mass transport, site-selective coalescence, and an appropriate structural configuration after coalescence leading to a more stable configuration. A fundamental understanding of the growth and formation mechanisms of Ag nanocrystals, which interact with the electron beam, is essential to improve the nanocrystal shape-control mechanisms as well as the future design and study of nanomaterials.