Issue 15, 2022

Three-dimensional electron diffraction: a powerful structural characterization technique for crystal engineering

Abstract

Understanding crystal structures and behaviors is crucial for constructing and engineering crystalline materials with various properties and functions. Recent advancement in three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) and its application on structural characterizations have expanded single-crystal analysis into nano-sized materials. Herein, we provide an overview on 3D ED, including its development, data collection protocols, and their applications for investigating crystal structures. We focus on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and small-molecule-based organic crystals, and highlight the insights provided by 3D ED such as structure–property relationships, polymorphism, hydrogen bonding, and crystal chirality, which are crucial subjects in crystal engineering. With more and more laboratories setting up 3D ED techniques, we envision that it will not only continue providing critical structural information, but also establish a wide impact on chemistry, materials science and life science.

Graphical abstract: Three-dimensional electron diffraction: a powerful structural characterization technique for crystal engineering

Article information

Article type
Highlight
Submitted
11 ene. 2022
Accepted
18 mar. 2022
First published
18 mar. 2022
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

CrystEngComm, 2022,24, 2719-2728

Three-dimensional electron diffraction: a powerful structural characterization technique for crystal engineering

L. Samperisi, X. Zou and Z. Huang, CrystEngComm, 2022, 24, 2719 DOI: 10.1039/D2CE00051B

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