Issue 13, 2019

Squeezed nanocrystals: equilibrium configuration of metal clusters embedded beneath the surface of a layered material

Abstract

Shapes of functional metallic nanocrystals, typically synthesized either free in solution or supported on surfaces, are key for controlling properties. Here, we consider a novel new class of metallic nanocrystals, copper clusters embedded near the surface of graphite, which can be considered a model system for metals embedded beneath surfaces of layered materials, or beneath supported membranes. We develop a continuum elasticity (CE) model for the equilibrium shape of these islands, and compare its predictions with experimental data. The CE model incorporates appropriate surface energy, adhesion energies, and strain energy. The agreement between the CE model and the data is—with one exception—excellent, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and is achieved with a single adjustable parameter. The model predicts that the embedded island shape is invariant with size, manifest both by constant side slope and by constant aspect ratio. This prediction is rationalized by dimensional analysis of the relevant energetic contributions. The aspect ratio (width : height) of an embedded Cu cluster is much larger than that of a supported but non-embedded Cu cluster, due to resistance of the graphene membrane to deformation. Experimental data diverge from the model predictions only in the case of the aspect ratio of small islands, below a critical height of ∼10 nm. The divergence may be due to bending strain, which is treated only approximately in the model. Strong support for the CE model and its interpretation is provided by additional data for embedded Fe clusters. Most of these observations and insights should be generally applicable to systems where a metal cluster is embedded beneath a layered material or supported membrane, provided that shape equilibration is possible.

Graphical abstract: Squeezed nanocrystals: equilibrium configuration of metal clusters embedded beneath the surface of a layered material

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
31 des. 2018
Accepted
08 mar. 2019
First published
11 mar. 2019
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Nanoscale, 2019,11, 6445-6452

Squeezed nanocrystals: equilibrium configuration of metal clusters embedded beneath the surface of a layered material

S. E. Julien, A. Lii-Rosales, K. Wan, Y. Han, M. C. Tringides, J. W. Evans and P. A. Thiel, Nanoscale, 2019, 11, 6445 DOI: 10.1039/C8NR10549A

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