Capturing In Situ Atomic-Scale Insights into the Growth of CdS Quantum Dots in Aqueous Media

conditions that enable CdS QD formation in an aqueous environment under electron irradiation with direct observation. Our LP-STEM recordings visualize the atomic, multistep mechanisms of nucleation, growth, and nanocrystallization of CdS QDs. Our results reveal predominantly nonclassical growth pathways via coalescence that dominate over classical growth. Subsequent structural and analytical analyses further confirmed the formation of CdS QDs. Moreover, we provide a detailed discussion of how radiation-related factors and precursor solution chemistry affect CdS stability during LP-STEM experiments. Our findings hence offer detailed insights into the complex growth processes of CdS QDs and demonstrate how tailoring the liquid environment enhances the stability of sensitive chalcogenide materials in LP-STEM.