Three-dimensional imaging of stacked Pd nanoparticles by electron tomography

Spatial distributed quantum-sized nanocrystals (< 10 nm) have considerable potential for various engineering applications, such as flash memory devices due to their charge-trap properties, efficient displays, solar cells, and biosensors. In the present study, stacked Pd nanoparticle (5-6 nm in diameter) arrays were examined by different imaging techniques, including bright-field transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular-dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and three-dimensional (3D) electron tomography. Notably, the authors reliably found both the distribution and the location of the stacked Pd nanoparticles using 3D electron tomography. The authors' approach offers potential solutions to the problem of enhancing the physicochemical properties of the applications. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.