In situ growth of suspended zirconene islets inside graphene pores

Abstract

Experiments using a transmission electron microscope decomposed zirconium acetylacetonate with an electron beam, forming zirconium nanoparticles on graphene. Continued electron irradiation transformed these nanoparticles into atomically thick zirconium islets (zirconene islets) within the graphene lattice. The electron beam caused zirconium atom dislocations and vacancies that are rapidly refilled, a process repeating until the vacancies evolved into zirconium nanoribbons before breaking. This study offers insights into the electron-driven growth and degradation of zirconene islets, showcasing a method to fabricate freestanding zirconenes for use as atomically thin coatings in extreme environments.