In situ TEM study of the phase transition of alpha-silicon nitride nanobelts from amorphous silicon nitride
Phys. Rev. Materials 9, 124604 – Published 17 December, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/ndwn-c1qv
Abstract
We report a phase transition of -silicon nitride nanobelts from amorphous silicon nitride, catalyzed by Au-Pd nanodroplets. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy, we directly observed the lateral growth of -silicon nitride nanobelts behind the migrating Au-Pd nanodroplets. With frame by frame analysis, we propose a Si transport mechanism to elucidate this phenomenon, in which Si dissolves and diffuses to the rear side of the migrating Au-Pd nanodroplets, which act as catalysts, ultimately forming -silicon nitride nanobelts. Our findings provide a pathway for the phase transition of silicon nitride and contribute insights into the formation and phase transitions of low-dimensional nanomaterials.
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New Insights into Functional Materials through Advanced Electron Microscopy
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