A unique structure of Cu2(OH)3·NH3 crystals in the `silica gardenʹ and their degradation under electron beam irradiation

We report a unique `from-the-insideʹ degradation of a silica garden precipitate made using copper nitrate under the electron beam irradiation in a high-resolution electron microscope. Crystals of copper hydroxide nitrate Cu2(OH)3·NH3, found within the bulk precipitate, are coated with a thin layer of amorphous silica which allows them to retain their crystal morphology despite total internal degradation.