Abstract
Han et al. [(2020), IUCrJ, 7, 228-237] using advanced electron microscopy and crystallographic modelling rationalise the microstructure of twinning defects in order to visualize mesophase transitions and surface properties of G and D bicontinuous cubic mesostructured silica. This work furthers our understanding of how these phases originate in many natural and synthetic systems.
Highlights
The approach of Han et al relies on a detailed study by state-of-the-art high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron crystallography of bicontinuous mesoporous silica crystals, which enable the relevant bicontinuous mesophase to be frozen in a stable silica replica of the structure
Han et al describe how the formation of Gtwin boundaries in the {211} plane may be related to structural transformations between hexagonal and lamellar phases
The authors treat the D-twin as a stacking fault, which is neatly used to postulate potential stacking orders and new surface and channel motives that may arise through twinning defects in bicontinuous minimal surfaces
Summary
The approach of Han et al relies on a detailed study by state-of-the-art high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron crystallography of bicontinuous mesoporous silica crystals, which enable the relevant bicontinuous mesophase to be frozen in a stable silica replica of the structure. The mesoporous crystals were prepared to produce particles rich in contact reflection twin defects, possessing a twin boundary plane, which separates the two identical crystalline domains (Fig. 1).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
