How a silver dendritic mesocrystal converts to a single crystal

In this paper, we demonstrate how a silver dendrite transforms from mesocrystal into single crystal and the stability for a dendritic silver mesocrystal within a Sn∕AgNO3 galvanic replacement reaction. Our findings provide the direct evidence and visible picture of the transformation from mesocrystal to single crystalline structure and further confirm the particle-mediated crystallization mechanism. At the initial stage of the transformation, there is a crystallographic fusion process, dominated by oriented attachment mechanism. Ostwald ripening also plays an important role in forming smooth surface and regular shape of the final nanocrystal.