Scanning tunneling microscopy investigation of stabilized Au sub 55 clusters

Journal Article · · Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology. B, Microelectronics Processing and Phenomena; (United States)

OSTI ID:5197261

Becker, C; Fries, T; Wandelt, K ^[1]; Kreibig, U ^[2]; Schmid, G ^[3]

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1. Univ. Bonn, (West Germany)
2. Univ. des Saarlandes, Saarbruecken (Germany)
3. Univ.-GH-Essen (Germany)

This paper describes Au{sub 55} clusters stabilized by phosphine, deposited onto highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and investigated in air by scanning tunneling microscope (STM) in the constant current mode. Single Au{sub 55} clusters as well as aggregates could be distinguished. The images clearly differ from those of free (non-stabilized) metal clusters. This is explained in terms of the low conductivity of the phosphine layer which is chemically bonded to the gold surface rather strongly. The single Au{sub 55} clusters appear to have a diameter of about 22 {angstrom} (including the ligand shell) and seem to be very floppy.

• OSTI ID: 5197261
• Journal Information: Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology. B, Microelectronics Processing and Phenomena; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology. B, Microelectronics Processing and Phenomena; (United States) Vol. 9:2; ISSN 0734-211X; ISSN JVTBD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360102* -- Metals & Alloys-- Structure & Phase Studies
360104 -- Metals & Alloys-- Physical Properties
AIR
CARBON
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE
ELEMENTAL MINERALS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
GOLD
GRAPHITE
MATHEMATICS
METALS
MICROSCOPY
MINERALS
MORPHOLOGY
NONMETALS
PHOSPHINES
PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SUBSTRATES
TOPOLOGY
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
TUNNELING