Ion-shaping of nanoparticles

Abstract

Since its discovery in the early 2000s, the ion-shaping technique has emerged as a powerful tool to engineer real three-dimensional architectures in the form of embedded nanostructures with tunable morphology and spatial orientation. The technique has been proven to be particularly well adapted for sculpting metal-glass nanocomposites. We analyze the body of experimental research that has been carried out until now. We review progress made over the years into this unique yet poorly understood process operative only at extreme electronic energy loss. Moreover, we describe and critically analyze the models and simulations that have been developed so far. The aim is to gain a fundamental atomistic insight into the elongation phenomenon. Finally, this chapter presents recent trends in the fabrication of ion-shaped nanoparticles and possible future applications.