Direct nanoscopic imaging of the hydrated nanoparticle–ligand interface

The ligand–nanoparticle interface helps to control nanoparticle synthesis and functional properties, but determining its structure and dynamics is challenging owing to the lack of high-resolution direct imaging methods. Now, liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy has uncovered the micellar packing and surface adsorption dynamics of a surfactant ligand on gold nanorods.