In Situ Synchrotron X-ray Characterization Shining Light on the Nucleation and Growth Kinetics of Colloidal Nanoparticles

Rational synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles with desirable properties relies on precise control over the nucleation and growth kinetics, which is still not well understood. The recent development of in situ high energy synchrotron X-ray techniques offers an excellent opportunity to quantitatively monitor the growth trajectories of colloidal nanoparticles in real time under real reaction conditions. The time-resolved, quantitative data of the growing colloidal nanoparticles are unique to reveal the mechanism of nanoparticle formation and determine the corresponding intrinsic kinetic parameters. This review discusses the kinetics of major steps of forming colloidal nanoparticles and the capability of in situ synchrotron X-ray techniques in studying the corresponding kinetics.