Probing the atomic structure of metallic nanoclusters with the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope

Nanoscale. 2014 Feb 21;6(4):2170-6. doi: 10.1039/c3nr03585a. Epub 2013 Dec 24.

Abstract

Preformed Co clusters with an average diameter of 2.5 nm are produced in the gas phase and are deposited under controlled ultra-high vacuum conditions onto a thin insulating NaCl film on Au(111). Relying on a combined experimental and theoretical investigation, we demonstrate visualization of the three-dimensional atomic structure of the Co clusters by high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) using a Cl functionalized STM tip that can be obtained on the NaCl surface. More generally, use of a functionalized STM tip may allow for systematic atomic structure determination with STM of nanoparticles that are deposited on metal surfaces.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles* / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Scanning Tunneling*
  • Sodium Chloride / chemistry*

Substances

  • Sodium Chloride
  • Gold