A High-resolution TEM Investigation of Nanoparticles in Soils

摘要

Soil nanoparticles are nanometer-sized (-1～100 nm) crystalline to amorphous solid material formed in soil environment. It is now possible to understand their very interesting structure and properties using techniques developed for nanotechnology such as transmission electron microscopy. Structures and chemical composition of nanoparticles in red soil (Ultisol) were studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron diffraction and elemental analysis (EDX). Electron-dense, well crystalline iron oxide nanoparticles were identified. The iron oxide phase usually coated and/or embedded on the surface of larger size aluminosilicate phase. High-resolution studies using HRTEM and EDX of nanoparticles in soil have a great potential for understanding physical properties, chemical reactivity and environmental processes of nanoparticles in the soils.