Hollow Ag2S nanosphere formation via electron beam-assisted oxidative etching of Ag nanoparticles.

Herein, the dynamics of oxidative etching of Ag nanoparticles in an ionic liquid is monitored in situ via graphene liquid cell transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal that hollow nanosphere formation occurs via a stepwise process involving shell formation and hollowing of the nanoparticle. In addition, we describe the different etching kinetics in each step.