Al2O3(110) surface as a template for the ordered growth of Ni and Co nanoclusters

文献情報

出版日 2012-01-09

DOI 10.1039/C2CP22712F

インパクトファクター 3.676

著者

Krithika Venkataramani, Thomas N. Jensen, Stig Helveg, Michael Reichling, Flemming Besenbacher, Jeppe V. Lauritsen

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要旨

The morphology and thermal stability of Ni and Co nanoclusters grown by physical vapour deposition on a reconstructed (110) surface of α-Al2O3 is investigated using non-contact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM). NC-AFM images reveal that the clean α-Al2O3(110) substrate adopts a characteristic (12 × 4) reconstruction when prepared in vacuum at high temperature. Subsequent deposition of Ni and Co onto this substrate at room temperature facilitates the growth of well-ordered metal nanocluster arrays with a preferred inter-cluster distance determined by the (12 × 4) periodicity of the substrate surface. The order in the cluster arrangement remains intact even upon annealing the system to temperatures up to 500 °C indicating a high resistance against sintering. The reconstructed α-Al2O3(110) surface can, therefore, serve as an appropriate insulating template for studies of size-dependent magnetic or catalytic effects in a well-defined ensemble of metallic nanoclusters.

掲載誌

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

CiteScore: 5.5

自己引用率: 10.3%

年間論文数: 3036

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (PCCP) is an international journal co-owned by 19 physical chemistry and physics societies from around the world. This journal publishes original, cutting-edge research in physical chemistry, chemical physics and biophysical chemistry. To be suitable for publication in PCCP, articles must include significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry; this is the most important criterion that reviewers and Editors will judge against when evaluating submissions. The journal has a broad scope and welcomes contributions spanning experiment, theory, computation and data science. Topical coverage includes spectroscopy, dynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, catalysis, surface science, quantum mechanics, quantum computing and machine learning. Interdisciplinary research areas such as polymers and soft matter, materials, nanoscience, energy, surfaces/interfaces, and biophysical chemistry are welcomed if they demonstrate significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry. Joined experimental/theoretical studies are particularly appreciated when complementary and based on up-to-date approaches.