Three-dimensional distribution of individual atoms in the channels of beryl

Autor: Daniel Knez, Christian Gspan, Nikola Šimić, Stefan Mitsche, Harald Fitzek, Karl Gatterer, Helmar Wiltsche, Gerald Kothleitner, Werner Grogger, Ferdinand Hofer
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Communications Materials, Vol 5, Iss 1, Pp 1-9 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2662-4443
93417411
DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00458-8
Popis: Abstract Single atom detection in nanoporous materials is a significant challenge, particularly due to their sensitivity to electron irradiation. Here, natural beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18) is used as a model system to quantitatively analyse the occupancy of its atomic channels. High-angle annular dark-field imaging in a scanning transmission electron microscope is employed, revealing the presence of Cs atoms within the channels. Through statistical analysis of atomic column intensities and comparison with a series of multislice simulations, we successfully pinpoint the three-dimensional positions of individual Cs atoms. Our findings indicate a non-uniform distribution of Cs atoms in the crystal. Importantly, by extracting both the crystal thickness and atomic positions from a single high-resolution micrograph, we effectively minimize the adverse effects of beam damage. This approach offers a promising pathway for accurately determining the three-dimensional distribution of dopant atoms in various porous materials, opening new possibilities for the study and application of these technologically important materials.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
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