Real-time monitoring of reaction kinetics involved in nanoparticle growth and transformation in liquid environments is crucial for understanding the complex chemical and physical events associated with nanophase evolution. Accordingly, in situ techniques that can “see through” liquids to probe nanomaterial variation are in high demand, as they will help us understand reaction mechanisms and design better synthetic strategies for building nanoparticles with precisely tailored properties. In this review, in situ transmission x-ray microscopy and time-resolved high-energy x-ray scattering techniques are discussed, highlight their capabilities in studying the dynamic processes of nanoparticles.

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Materials Today (2012) 15(4), 140-147
doi: 10.1016/S1369-7021(12)70067-6