Cooperative formation of crystals by aggregation and intergrowth of nanoparticles

Abstract

The behavior of ensembles of nanoparticles (yttrium oxide, fluorides with a fluorite structure, and cerium dioxide) was studied by a number of methods, including electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The experimental data indicate the nonclassical formation of submicron and micron single crystals by the coherent attachment and intergrowth of nanoparticles.