Fig. 3: Determination of the hierarchical chirality in l-CTD.

a XRD pattern of l-CTD taken with CuKα radiation, λ = 1.5418 Å. b–d Photograph (upper right inset in b) and SEM images of l-CTD taken at various magnifications. The inset shows the corresponding schematic structural model. e TCD spectra of the antipodal CTDs. f, g TEM image and 3D ED of the plate-like particle. The blue dotted line represents the position of the goniometer axis, the white circle (f) represents the SAED aperture, the white rectangle represents the position of the beam stopper, and O represents the origin. The inset shows the corresponding structural model. h–j 3D ED of l-CTD observed from the a*-, b*- and c*-axes, respectively. k Reconstructed 3D reciprocal space, from which multiple arch-shaped diffraction spots (red box) can be seen towards the origin. The orange dotted line represents the position of the torsion axis corresponding to the inserted model. l, m Step-by-step enlargement permutation of the series of arch-shaped reflections. n, o Typical reflections (green and blue boxes in l) along the vertical direction and their orientation deflection. p, q The amplification of arch-shaped diffraction spots with rotational intensity distribution perpendicular to the rotational axis. O represents the origin. r hk0 slice cut from the 3D ED, and the inset shows the superposition of diffraction spots. s The enlargement permutation of the diffraction spots (red box in r). Source data are provided as a Source Data file.