Special interfaces of ZrO2 nanocrystals

Lattice images by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to find new interfaces formed between c- and/or t-ZrO2 nanocrystals. The ZrO2 nanocrystals, prepared by ion-beam sputtering on a NaCl (100) plane, coalesced to form a straight {220}/{200} interface and a stepped {200}/{111} interface with misfit dislocations. The former is characterized by a good match of O2- lattice sites and smooth joining of low index planes across it without mismatch and dislocation. The special interfaces are applicable to fcc nanocrystals in general. The atomic structure of the new interface, however, can be studied further with an atomic-resolution TEM