Growth Mechanism Research Articles

Spiral-Concave Prussian Blue Crystals with Rich Steps: Growth Mechanism and Coordination Regulation.

Investigating the formation and transformation mechanisms of spiral-concave crystals holds significant potential for advancing innovative material design and comprehension. We examined the kinetics-controlled nucleation and growth mechanisms of Prussian Blue crystals with spiral concave structures, and constructed a detailed crystal growth phase diagram. The spiral-concave hexacyanoferrate (SC-HCF) crystals, characterized by high-density surface steps and a low stress-strain architecture, exhibit enhanced activity due to their facile interaction with reactants. Notably, the coordination environment of SC-HCF can be precisely modulated by the introduction of diverse metals. Utilizing X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and in situ ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, we elucidated the formation mechanism of SC-HCF to Co-HCF facilitated by oriented adsorption-ion exchange (OA-IE) process. Both experimental data, and density functional theory confirm that Co-HCF possesses an optimized energy band structure, capable of adjusting the local electronic environment and enhancing the performance of the oxygen evolution reaction. This work not only elucidates the formation mechanism and coordination regulation for rich steps HCF, but also offers a novel perspective for constructing nanocrystals with intricate spiral-concave structures.

Spiral‐Concave Prussian Blue Crystals with Rich Steps: Growth Mechanism and Coordination Regulation

AbstractInvestigating the formation and transformation mechanisms of spiral‐concave crystals holds significant potential for advancing innovative material design and comprehension. We examined the kinetics‐controlled nucleation and growth mechanisms of Prussian Blue crystals with spiral concave structures, and constructed a detailed crystal growth phase diagram. The spiral‐concave hexacyanoferrate (SC‐HCF) crystals, characterized by high‐density surface steps and a low stress‐strain architecture, exhibit enhanced activity due to their facile interaction with reactants. Notably, the coordination environment of SC‐HCF can be precisely modulated by the introduction of diverse metals. Utilizing X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and in situ ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, we elucidated the formation mechanism of SC‐HCF to Co‐HCF facilitated by oriented adsorption‐ion exchange (OA‐IE) process. Both experimental data, and density functional theory confirm that Co‐HCF possesses an optimized energy band structure, capable of adjusting the local electronic environment and enhancing the performance of the oxygen evolution reaction. This work not only elucidates the formation mechanism and coordination regulation for rich steps HCF, but also offers a novel perspective for constructing nanocrystals with intricate spiral‐concave structures.

Sputtering of (111) highly-oriented nanotwinned Ag on polycrystalline Si3N4 substrates for high-power electronic packaging

Nanotwinned silver (NT-Ag) exhibits excellent mechanical and electrical properties, attributed to its high-density and (111) highly-oriented twinning structure in nanoscale. Therefore, it has recently drawn much attention in the field of electronic packaging, where it can be utilized as interconnection or metallization materials. However, it has been a critical challenge to fabricate the high-density and highly-oriented NT-Ag onto polycrystalline ceramic substrates, whose crystal structure does not support the epitaxial growth of NT-Ag films. In the current work, a high-density and highly-oriented NT-Ag film has been fabricated onto a polycrystalline ceramic substrate, i.e., NT-Ag on silicon nitride (NT-Ag@Si3N4), using the magnetron sputtering method. As results, a close-packed arrangement of high-density NT-Ag has been observed within columnar grains aligned along its growth direction, whereas the nanoindentation hardness of the NT-Ag film reached 1.82 GPa, with an electrical resistivity of 2.06 μΩ‧cm. Moreover, this study has discussed and explained the growth kinetics and mechanism of NT-Ag films, by controlling magnetron sputtering process parameters, such as sputtering power and argon flow rate. Additionally, the differences in the growth mechanism of NT-Ag on (100) Si and polycrystalline Si3N4 have also been investigated. With its superior material properties, NT-Ag@Si3N4 holds great promise in the applications of advanced packaging technology for high-power electronics.

Initial Stages of Electrocrystallization of Coatings with Tin and Tin-Copper and Tin-Copper-Ultradisperse Diamond Alloys

The need of modern microelectronics in the development of technological processes for the formation of nanostructured layers puts forward the necessity of understanding the mechanisms of nucleation and growth of deposits. The article considers the features of the initial stages of electrocrystallization of coatings with tin and tin-copper and tin-copper-ultradisperse diamond alloys. The kinetic regularities of electrode processes were studied by the voltammetry method. Based on the experimental data, the nucleation parameters (nucleation energy, effective interphase surface energy, radius and volume of the nucleus) were calculated. SEM images were obtained and the features of the roughness of the coating surfaces after deposition for 10, 20, 30 and 60 s were studied. It was found that co-deposition of tin-copper alloys and tin-copper-ultradisperse diamond particles increases the value of the limiting current from 2.8 · 10–2 to 5.0 · 10–2 A/cm2. With an increase in electrocrystallization over-voltage, the rate of nucleation increases and their size decreases, while fine-grained and dense deposits are formed. With an increase in the deposition duration, crystallites grow and gradually coalesce with each other, the value of the equivalent diameter of the grain coatings increases, respectively, for: Sn – from 1 ⋅ 10–6 to 4 ⋅ 10–6 m, Sn-Cu – from 0.3 ⋅ 10–6 to 1.3 ⋅ 10–6 m, Sn-Cu-ultradispersed diamond – from 0.9 ⋅ 10–6 to 1.4 ⋅ 10–6 m. The established patterns make it possible to control the structure of the coatings and obtain deposits with specified properties. The presented results may be of interest to specialists involved in the formation of solderable galvanic coatings.

Mechanism of Thermodynamically Rationalized Selective Growth of a Two-Dimensional Ternary Ferromagnet on Insulating Substrates.

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 holds great promise for advanced spintronic applications because of its gate-tunable ferromagnetic ordering at room temperature, whereas the controllable growth of large-area single crystals remains very challenging due to its ternary nature and variable stoichiometry inducing many competitive phases. Here, we theoretically probe the mechanism of selective growth of monolayer Fe3GeTe2 on various epitaxial substrates. Thermodynamic analysis shows that the corresponding phase-pure chemical potential windows for the selective growth of Fe3GeTe2 can be reasonably attained in ternary phase space on insulating and chemically inert c-plane sapphire and Ga2O3(0001) substrates by properly modulating the interfacial interaction and employing suitable feedstocks to avoid competitive growth of possible impurity phases with different stoichiometry ratios. It is also revealed that both the weak edge-substrate interaction and interlayer coupling of Fe3GeTe2 together lead to a surface-dominated nucleation behavior and, thereby, energetically favor lateral growth of the monolayer rather than vertical growth of the multilayer. Importantly, straight protocols for the experimentally selective growth of phase-pure ternary Fe3GeTe2 are also provided by establishing the relationship between the feedstock chemical potential and growth parameters on a thermochemical basis. Our insightful study can also be reasonably extended to guide future experimental design for the selective growth of other multicomponent 2D materials.

Petrogenesis of early Paleozoic syn-collisional granitoids and enclaves in Western Kunlun, Northwest China: Implications for the growth of continental crust

The Western Kunlun Orogenic Belt (WKOB), along the northwestern margin of the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau, was formed by the collision of Gondwana-derived terranes to the south and the Tarim Block to the north and was closely associated with closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean during the late Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic. We present a combined zircon UPb geochronology, whole-rock composition, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic study of syn-collisional granitoid plutons and mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) in the region. Zircon UPb dating yields ages of 443.8 ± 4.4, 451.9 ± 4.2, 462.9 ± 3.5, and 456 ± 4.2 Ma for the Tongayoupuagezi, Shanjie, and Pishigai plutons and MMEs from the Pishigai pluton, respectively. The granitoids are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.00–1.17) and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series. They have (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.7058–0.7154, εNd(t) values of −8.78 to −0.93, and εHf(t) values of −19.72 to +6.87. The MMEs have variable SiO2 contents (45.7–60.2 wt%) and are more mafic than the host granitoids, but have similar Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions to the host granitoids [(87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7102–0.7110; εNd(t) = −6.57 to −3.56; εHf(t) = −7.17 to −1.81]. The MMEs are fragments of cumulates formed during the early stages of magma evolution. The granitoids were produced by the partial melting of a mélange source. The new data support the view that the Middle–Late Ordovician syn-collisional granitoids with MMEs distributed along the WKOB represent a magmatic response to terrane collision. This suggests that juvenile crustal growth in older orogenic systems, which occurs by arc addition, also involves some vertical addition during the final stage of orogenic collision. Our study suggests that mélange diaper melting is a key mechanism of crustal growth during the syn-collision stage in continental collision zones, associated with slab breakoff.

Growth of zinc oxide nanowires by a hot water deposition method.

Recently, various methods have been developed for synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures, including physical and chemical vapor deposition, as well as wet chemistry. These common methods require either high temperature, high vacuum, or toxic chemicals. In this study, we report the growth of zinc oxide ZnO nanowires by a new hot water deposition (HWD) method on various types of substrates, including copper plates, foams, and meshes, as well as on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glasses (ITO/glass). HWD is derived from the hot water treatment (HWT) method, which involves immersing piece(s) of metal and substrate(s) in hot deionized water and does not require any additives or catalysts. Metal acts as the source of metal oxide molecules that migrate in water and deposit on the substrate surface to form metal oxide nanostructures (MONSTRs). The morphological and crystallographic analyses of the source-metals and substrates revealed the presence of uniformly crystalline ZnO nanorods after the HWD. In addition, the growth mechanism of ZnO nanowires using HWD is discussed. This process is simple, inexpensive, low temperature, scalable, and eco-friendly. Moreover, HWD can be used to deposit a large variety of MONSTRs on almost any type of substrate material or geometry.

Enhanced Crystallinity of SrTiO3 Films on a Silicon Carbide Substrate: Structural and Microwave Characterization

Thin films of strontium titanate, which reveal high structure quality and tunable properties prospective for microwave applications at room temperature, were grown on a semi-insulating silicon carbide substrate using magnetron sputtering for the first time. The films’ growth mechanisms were studied using medium-energy ion scattering, and the films’ structures were investigated using X-ray diffraction. The electrical characteristics of planar capacitors based on strontium titanate films were measured at a frequency of 2 GHz using a high-precision resonance technique. It is shown that the tendency to improve the crystalline structure of strontium titanate film with an increase in the substrate temperature is most pronounced for films deposited at elevated working gas pressure under low supersaturation conditions. Planar capacitors formed on the basis of oriented SrTiO3 films on silicon carbide showed tunability n = 36%, with a loss tangent of 0.008–0.009 at a level of slow relaxation of capacitance, which is significantly lower than the data published currently regarding planar tunable ferroelectric elements. This is the first successful attempt to realize a planar SrTiO3 capacitor on a silicon carbide substrate, which exhibits a commutation quality factor more than 2500 at microwaves.

Preparation and growth mechanism of high-quality multilayer graphene from simulated coal pyrolysis gas via chemical vapor deposition

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of graphene from coal pyrolysis gas provides new ways for both large-scale graphene preparation and high value-added utilization of coal. However, green, efficient and continuous preparation of high-quality multilayer graphene with both good uniformity and ideal structure characteristic remains a great challenge. Herein, we first investigated the influence of main carbonaceous species (CH4, C2H6, C3H8, CO2, and CO) in coal pyrolysis gas on the quality of CVD graphene products. The experimental results indicated that CO2 and CO have little effect on the growth of graphene, while methane as carbon source is conducive to obtain ideal graphene materials, propane and ethane could also influence structural defects and layer number of graphene products remarkably. On this basis, we designed a mixed gas of methane, ethane, and propane with optimized ratio as simulated coal pyrolysis gas, and successfully prepared high-quality multilayer graphene products on nickel foam from the as-designed simulated coal pyrolysis gas by CVD method. Notably, with a CH4:C2H6:C3H8 ratio of 2:1:1, the graphene products prepared from simulated coal pyrolysis gas outperformed that of raw coal pyrolysis gas in terms of physical structure, layer number, and quality uniformity. The corresponding I2D/IG value reached 0.97. The graphene growth process and mechanism were investigated and discussed macroscopically and microscopically. This work is of great significance for the intrinsic understanding of CVD growth of graphene from coal pyrolysis gas, and also inspires an efficient and environmentally friendly avenue for high-throughput, uniform production of high-quality graphene materials.

Transcriptomic Remodeling Occurs During Cambium Activation and Xylem Cell Development in Taxodium ascendens

Taxodium ascendens has been extensively cultivated in the wetlands of the Yangtze River in south China and has significantly contributed to ecology and timber production. Until now, research on T. ascendens genomics has yet to be conducted due to its large and complex genome, which hinders the development of T. ascendens genomic resources. Combined with the microstructural changes during cambium cell differentiation across various growth periods, we investigate the transcriptome expression and regulatory mechanisms governing cambium activity in T. ascendens. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology, we identified the genes involved in the cambium development of cells at three stages (dormancy, reactivation, and activity). These genes encode the regulatory and control factors associated with the cambial activity, cell division, cell expansion, and biosynthesis of cell wall components. Blast comparison revealed that three genes (TR_DN69961_c0_g1, TRINITY_DN17100_c1_g1, TRINITY_DN111727_c0_g1) from the MYB and NAC families might regulate transcription during lignin formation in wood thickening. These results illustrate the dynamic changes in the transcriptional network during vascular cambium development. Additionally, they shed light on the genetic regulation mechanism of secondary growth in T. ascendens and guide further elucidation of the candidate genes involved in regulating cambium differentiation and wood formation.

Transcriptome analysis identifies potential molecular mechanisms for growth of fast muscle in Chinese perch juvenile

Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi) is an important commercial fish species in China. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of growth and development of skeletal muscle is helpful for selection breeding and improving the growth rate of Chinese perch. We analyzed histological and transcriptomic differences in fast muscle of Chinese perch between 30 days post hatching (dph) and 60 dph using histological sections and high-throughput RNA-Seq. The results showed that the diameter of muscle fibers in 30 dph Chinese perch was mainly distributed in range of 30 − 40 μm, and that of 60 dph was primarily in the range of 40 − 50 μm. 34 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the fast muscle of Chinese perch between 30 and 60 dph, of which 9 were up-regulated and 25 were down-regulated (60 dph vs 30 dph). The DEGs, including MYH4, ENO3, Bag3, krt13 and krt18, are associated with muscle cell differentiation and fusion in Chinese perch. The analysis of the protein–protein interaction network of DEGs revealed that FOS, junb and EGR1 may involve in the development of fast muscle. KEGG enrichment results showed that the up-regulated genes in the 60 dph were associated with several pathways related to metabolism and protein synthesis, such as glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. The results suggest that the development of fast muscle in Chinese perch from 30 to 60 dph is accompanied by an increase in muscle fiber diameter and changes in gene expression related to muscle cell differentiation and protein synthesis.Abbreviations: DEGs, differentially expressed genes; dph, days post hatching; FC, fold change; FDR, False Discovery Rate; GO, Gene Ontology; KEGG, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes; MyHCs, Myosin heavy chains; qRT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR.

Multivariate growth analysis on D019–phase Mn3Ga kagome–based topological antiferromagnets

The combination of antiferromagnetism and topological properties in Mn3X (X = Sn,Ge,Ga) offers a unique platform to explore novel spin-dependent phenomena and develop innovative spintronic devices. Here, we have systematically investigated the phase transition of Mn3Ga thin films on SiO2(001)/Si substrates under various growth parameters such as seeding layer structure, annealing conditions, and film thickness. The relatively thick Mn3Ga films grown with Ru seeding exhibit a variety of polycrystalline hexagonal phases, including (002), and (201). The addition of a Ta layer to the conventional Ru seeding layer promotes the formation of nearly single-crystal antiferromagnetic (AF) Mn3Ga(002) phase from the relatively thin Mn3Ga films after annealing at 773 K. The investigation of the growth mechanism of Mn3Ga polycrystalline thin films provides a reference strategy for exploring Mn-based AF spintronic devices.

Theoretical and Experimental Insights into Dendrite Growth in Lithium‐Metal Electrode

AbstractA stable lithium‐metal electrode can enable the shift from the Li‐ion batteries to the next generation chemistries such as Li−S and Li−O2 with significant gains in the energy density and sustainability. This transition, however, is hindered by the dendrite formation, high chemical reactivity, and volume changes of the Li electrode. Although recent advancements in computational and experimental research have deepened our understanding of these issues, the primary obstacles to the commercialization of the lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs) still persist. To address these challenges, a synergistic approach that combines computational and experimental strategies shows great promise. In this regard, this paper reviews the current experimental and theoretical understanding of the lithium‐metal electrodes in view of the initiation and growth mechanisms of the lithium dendrites and interface instability. Leveraging the strengths of both approaches can offer a holistic insight into the LMB performance and guide the development of innovative designs for electrolytes and electrodes that can enhance the stability and performance of the LMBs.

A Review: Synthesis and Mechanism of Growth of the Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) – Graphene Hybrid Material and its Application as Electrodes

The CNTs–graphene hybrids have many advantages and potential for use in a wide range of electronic applications as electrodes. The CNTs–graphene hybrid structure outperforms the structure of each material in terms of characteristics and performance. There are several methods to grow CNTs. This paper reviews the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method used to synthesize CNTs–graphene hybrid material. This paper discusses the processes and growth parameters of the synthesis of the CNTs-graphene hybrid. This paper also discusses the growth mechanism and kinetics of CNTs. In addition, the potential and performance of CNTs–Graphene hybrid material as electrodes in batteries are also reviewed.

Facile synthesis and mechanistic insights into ZSM-5 aggregates via a mesoporogen-free route

Developing hierarchical zeolites is highly important for catalytic applications. In this study, micro- and submicron-sized hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites, composed of aggregated nanosized ZSM-5 crystals, were facilely synthesized without any mesoporogen. The effects of the gel composition in a mesoporogen-free system on the formation of ZSM-5 aggregates were studied. The results revealed that the Na2O/SiO2 molar ratio and the aluminum source exerted significant impacts. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the morphology and size of the ZSM-5 aggregate could be easily adjusted by varying the gel composition. Mechanistic insights indicated that the formation of hierarchical ZSM-5 aggregates in the mesoporogen-free system likely followed a space-confined growth mechanism.

Synthesis of group-IV ternary and binary semiconductors using epitaxy of GeH3Cl and SnH4

Ge1−x−ySixSny alloys were grown on Ge buffers via reactions of SnH4 and GeH3Cl. The latter is a new CVD source designed for epitaxial development of group-IV semiconductors under low thermal budgets and CMOS-compatible conditions. The Ge1−x−ySixSny films were produced at very low temperatures between 160 and 200 °C with 3%–5% Si and ∼5%–11% Sn. The films were characterized using an array of structural probes that include Rutherford backscattering, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution x-ray diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. These studies indicate that the films are strained to Ge and exhibit defect-free microstructures, flat surfaces, homogeneous compositions, and sharp interfaces. Raman was used to determine the compositional dependence of the vibrational modes indicating atomic distributions indistinguishable from those obtained when using high-order Ge hydrides. For a better understanding of the growth mechanisms, a parallel study was conducted to investigate the GeH3Cl applicability for synthesis of binary Ge1−ySny films. These grew strained to Ge, but with reduced Sn compositions and lower thicknesses relative to Ge1−x−ySixSny. Bypassing the Ge buffers led to Ge1−ySny-on-Si films with compositions and thicknesses comparable to Ge1−ySny-on-Ge; but their strains were mostly relaxed. Efforts to increase the concentration and thickness of Ge1−ySny-on-Si resulted in multiphase materials containing large amounts of interstitial Sn. These outcomes suggest that the incorporation of even small Si amounts in Ge1−x−ySixSny might compensate for the large Ge–Sn mismatch by lowering bond strains. Such an effect reduces strain energy, enhances stability, promotes higher Sn incorporation, and increases critical thickness.

Preparation of aragonite-rich whisker materials from magnesium slag and salt lake bischofite and its effects on cement properties

This study develops an innovative wet carbonation process utilizing Magnesium Slag (MS), Salt Lake Bischofite (SLB), and CO2 to prepare carbonized materials mainly composed of aragonite and active silica gel, all raw materials were solid wastes. Subsequently, it was employed as Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) additive in cement, with the goal of efficiently capturing carbon dioxide and transforming aragonite whiskers into high-value products. Investigated the parameters influencing the formation of aragonite, including temperature and the concentration of the SLB solution, while exploring the nucleation and growth mechanisms of aragonite. The findings reveal that under 80 °C, the suspension of MS with 0.83 % SLB solution swiftly produces needle-like aragonite whiskers with single crystal lengths ranging from 10-20 μm and diameters of 0.3–0.5 μm. With the increase in SLB concentration, the aspect ratio of aragonite whiskers decreases. Additionally, highly polymerized amorphous silica gel was also detected. Therefore, Carbonated Aragonite-type Magnesium Slag (CAMS) (34.0901 m2/g) exhibits a significantly larger specific surface area compared to MS (0.9877 m2/g), representing an enhancement factor of 34.5 times, which concurrently bolsters its capability to adsorb reactive ions. During the carbonation process, 1 g of MS can sequester and solidify 0.403 g of CO2. Furthermore, incorporating CAMS as SCMs into cement mixtures notably enhances both the compressive and flexural strengths of cement mortar. These findings offer a sustainable approach to the recycling of solid waste, CO2 sequestration, and the improvement of cement-based material properties.

Growth Modulation of High-Entropy Alloys for Electrocatalytic Methanol Oxidation Reaction.

High-entropy alloy (HEA) electrocatalysts have exhibited remarkable catalytic performance because of their synergistic interactions among multiple metals. However, the growth mechanism of HEAs remains elusive, primarily due to the constraints imposed by the current synthesis methodologies for HEAs. In this work, an innovative electrodeposition method was developed to fabricate Pt-based nanocomposites (Pt1Bi2Co1Cu1Ni1/CC), comprising HEA nanosheets and carbon cloths (CCs). The reaction system could be effectively monitored by taking samples out from the system during the reaction process, facilitating in-depth insight into the growth mechanism underlying the material formation. In particular, Pt1Bi2Co1Cu1Ni1/CC nanocomposites show superior methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) performance (mass activity up to 5.02 A mgPt-1). Upon structural analysis, the d-band center of Pt1Bi2Co1Cu1Ni1/CC is lower in comparison with that of Pt1Bi2/CC and Pt/CC, demonstrating the formation of a rich-electron structure. Both the uniformity of HEAs and the carbon-supported effect could provide additional active sites. These findings suggest that the strong electronic interaction within HEAs and additional active sites can effectively modulate the catalytic structure of Pt, which benefits the enhanced CO tolerance and MOR performance.

Size-Resolved Shape Evolution in Inorganic Nanocrystals Captured via High-Throughput Deep Learning-Driven Statistical Characterization.

Precise size and shape control in nanocrystal synthesis is essential for utilizing nanocrystals in various industrial applications, such as catalysis, sensing, and energy conversion. However, traditional ensemble measurements often overlook the subtle size and shape distributions of individual nanocrystals, hindering the establishment of robust structure-property relationships. In this study, we uncover intricate shape evolutions and growth mechanisms in Co3O4 nanocrystal synthesis at a subnanometer scale, enabled by deep-learning-assisted statistical characterization. By first controlling synthetic parameters such as cobalt precursor concentration and water amount then using high resolution electron microscopy imaging to identify the geometric features of individual nanocrystals, this study provides insights into the interplay between synthesis conditions and the size-dependent shape evolution in colloidal nanocrystals. Utilizing population-wide imaging data encompassing over 441,067 nanocrystals, we analyze their characteristics and elucidate previously unobserved size-resolved shape evolution. This high-throughput statistical analysis is essential for representing the entire population accurately and enables the study of the size dependency of growth regimes in shaping nanocrystals. Our findings provide experimental quantification of the growth regime transition based on the size of the crystals, specifically (i) for faceting and (ii) from thermodynamic to kinetic, as evidenced by transitions from convex to concave polyhedral crystals. Additionally, we introduce the concept of an "onset radius," which describes the critical size thresholds at which these transitions occur. This discovery has implications beyond achieving nanocrystals with desired morphology; it enables finely tuned correlation between geometry and material properties, advancing the field of colloidal nanocrystal synthesis and its applications.

Multi-omics reveals the molecular mechanisms of rapid growth in distant hybrid fish

Distant hybridization usually results in heterosis. In previous studies, we obtained an improved fish (WR-II, 2n = 100) with rapid growth through distant hybridization. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the rapid growth of WR-II, the intestinal structure, microbiome and metabolome of the gut and the transcriptome of muscle were compared between WR-II and its parents (WCC and RCC, 2n = 100). The results revealed that WR-II had more intestinal folds, and the height, width and goblet cell density of the intestinal folds were greater than those of its parents. The absolute abundances of the probiotics Ralstonia and Salinivibrio were significantly greater in WR-II than in the parents (p < 0.05), and the probiotic Cupriavidus was found in only WR-II. A total of 481 and 718 differentially abundant metabolites (DMs) were identified in WR-II vs. WCC and WR-II vs. RCC, respectively. These DMs were enriched mainly in pathways related to metabolism, protein synthesis and development, such as fumaric acid, sphingosine, betaine and 5′-adenylic acid (AMP). A total of 5680 and 11,795 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in WR-II vs. WCC and WR-II vs. RCC, respectively. These DEGs were enriched mainly in pathways related to protein synthesis and substance metabolism. Growth-related genes such as irs1, irs2, foxo1, igf1r, and akt were upregulated in WR-II. Multi-omics analysis revealed that Salinivibrio can promote the level of AMP, which then regulates the expression of irs1 and foxo1, thus promoting the growth of WR-II. This study revealed the mechanism of rapid growth of WR-II from the probiotics, metabolites and genes, which provides evidence for the molecular mechanism of heterosis.