Simplifying Electron Diffraction Pattern Identification of Mixed-Material Nanoparticles

Metallic and non-metallic nanoparticles (NPs), ranging in size from 1–200 nm, have unique functional properties that differ from their bulk materials and their component atoms or molecules. These unique properties have driven the demand for nano-sized materials and new methods to synthesize NPs, which are used in drug delivery systems, bio-imaging agents, catalysts, photonics, and optical devices. Inorganic NPs can be synthesized with a variety of methods that impart size, shape, and other structural properties. Cobalt-based NPs, for instance, display unique size and shape-dependent magnetic properties, while the band gap, UV blocking properties and stability of zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs enable new applications in products ranging from cosmetics to solar cell power.