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Polycrystalline oxides formation during transient oxidation of (001) Cu-Ni binary alloys studied by in situ TEM and XRD.

Journal Article · · Mater. High Temp.
The nucleation and growth of Cu{sub 2}O and NiO islands due to oxidation of Cu{sub x}Ni{sub 1-x} (001) films were monitored, at various temperatures, by in situ ultra-high vacuum (UHV) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD). In remarkable contrast to our previous observations of Cu and Cu-Au oxidation, irregular-shaped polycrystalline oxide islands formed with respect to the Cu-Ni alloy film, and an unusual second oxide nucleation stage was noted. In situ XRD experiments revealed that NiO formed first epitaxially, then other orientations appeared, and finally polycrystalline Cu{sub 2}O developed as the oxidation pressure was increased. The segregation of Ni and Cu towards or away, respectively, from the alloy surface during oxidation could disrupt the surface and cause polycrystalline oxide formation.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
Sponsoring Organization:
SC; NSF
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
1001633
Report Number(s):
ANL/MSD/JA-68821
Journal Information:
Mater. High Temp., Journal Name: Mater. High Temp. Journal Issue: 1 ; 2009 Vol. 26; ISSN 0960-3409; ISSN MHTEEM
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH