Towards atomic understanding of metallic nanoclusters on surfaces

Speaker: Prof. Zi-You Li (University of Birmingham)

Time and Date: 15:00-16:00, Nov. 21, 2013

Place: Room 138, Physics Building, Handan Campus

Abstract

Clusters and nanoparticles occupy special places in fundamental research and practical applications. To understand the properties of functional nano-structures, it is essential to gain full knowledge of their three-dimensional atomic structures. However, this is still a challenging task for clusters and nanoparticles. In this talk, the current status of cluster structure research will be briefly reviewed, together with what an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) can offer in this area. The STEM capabilities will be illustrated by examples from our recent research in nano-catalysis and nano-optics: (1) counting gold atom by atom; and (2) seeing below surfaces. In both cases, direct evidence of atomistic details at surface, subsurface and interfaces will be presented and the size-dependent effects and their mechanistic origins will be discussed with computer modeling results. The possibility of linking the atomic structures of nanoclusters with their enhanced catalytic properties or novel optical properties will be discussed.

Biography

Dr. Ziyou Li obtained her BSc in physics from Fudan University in 1982 and PhD in physics in 1989 at Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge in U.K. She then worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Surface Science, University of Liverpool, before returning to Cambridge, where she held her prestigious EPSRC Advanced Research Fellowship at Cavendish Laboratory and Research Fellowship in Hughes Hall. Dr. Li joined University of Birmingham from 2001 and is now a Reader in Nanoscale Science in the School of Physics and Astronomy. Dr. Li served as a committee member of IoP Nanoscale Physics and technology group from 2005 to 2008. Since 2009, she is a committee member of IoP Electron Microscopy Analysis Group. Currently, she is also Committee Member of British Vacuum Council (since 2010), as IUVSTA Surface Science Divisional Representative for Great Britain.