Abstract
PbTe nanocrystals were deposited onto the surface of graphene and used as a reservoir of Pb and Te atoms. Electron beam irradiation at 80 kV caused Pb and Te atoms to mobilize and disperse across the surface of graphene. We studied the dynamics of these atoms in real time using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy. The Pb and Te atoms were found to attach to the surface layer of amorphous carbon that resides upon the graphene, as well as its edge. Pb and Te atoms were not found residing on pristine graphene, but were found to bond to the free edge states along graphene hole edges. Small PbTe nanoclusters tended to only form on the surface of the amorphous carbon regions and not on pristine graphene.
Highlights
PbTe nanocrystals were deposited onto the surface of graphene and used as a reservoir of Pb and Te atoms
We studied the dynamics of these atoms in real time using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy
The Pb and Te atoms were found to attach to the surface layer of amorphous carbon that resides upon the graphene, as well as its edge
Summary
Pb or Te atoms attached to the edges of the amorphous carbon islands are able to be released by electron beam irradiation and migrate to the island This indicates that an amorphous carbon surface is better than pristine graphene lattice for the formation of small metastable nanoclusters and nanocrystals. The ability to trap several Pb and Te atoms on the surface of the amorphous carbon resulted in electron beam induced coalescence and the formation of nanoclusters and occasionally PbTe nanocrystals. These results indicate that it will be challenging to form PbTe nanocrystals that are in direct contact with graphene, since the tendency is to stick to the top of the amorphous carbon residue. This provides important insights into the future development of graphene-inorganic composites for energy applications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
