Quantitative 3D Characterization of Nanoporous Gold Nanoparticles by Transmission Electron Microscopy

Abstract

Quantitative structural characterization of nanomaterials is important to tailor their functional properties. Corrosion of AgAu-alloy nanoparticles (NPs) results in porous structures, making them interesting for applications especially in the fields of catalysis and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. For the present report, structures of dealloyed NPs were reconstructed three-dimensionally using scanning transmission electron microscopy tomography. These reconstructions were evaluated quantitatively, revealing structural information such as pore size, porosity, specific surface area, and tortuosity. Results show significant differences compared to the structure of dealloyed bulk samples and can be used as input for simulations of diffusion or mass transport processes, for example, in catalytic applications.