Atomically Resolved Images of Ih Ice Single Crystals in the Solid Phase

The morphology and crystal structure of nanoparticles of ice were examined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Two different crystal structures were found and unambiguously assigned to hexagonal (I-h) and cubic (I-c) ice crystals. Direct observation of oxygen columns clearly revealed the hexagonal packing of water molecules. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy was used to monitor the electronic excitation in ice, suggesting possible dissociation of water molecules. Dynamic process of phase transition between Ih and Ic phases of individual ice nanoparticles under electron beam irradiation was also monitored by in situ transmission electron diffractometry.