Figure 1.

(a) SEM image of Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ template particles. (b) Low-magnification HAADF-STEM image of edge-on-oriented Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ platelets. Arrows denote the c axes. (c) Atomic-resolution Z-contrast images of platelets in the [100] Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ and [110] Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ orientations taken near the surface of the particles with overlaid structural models. The platelets are terminated by the [Bi₂O₂]²⁺ layer. (d) Atomically flat (smooth) surface of the platelets as a result of layer-by-layer growth in molten salt. (e) Edge of a platelet with a thickness of 14 unit cells (UCs) (+ an additional [Bi₂O₂]²⁺ layer) with steps. The magnified region shows weakly bonded adatoms on the exposed surface on the lateral side of the platelet.