Scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopy study of the misfit layer compounds (LaS)1.14(NbS2)n (n = 1, 2) and [(Pb,Sb)S]1.14NbS2

H. Bengel, S. Jobic, C. Deudon, J. Rouxel, D. K. Seo, M. H. Whangbo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

The misfit layer compounds (LaS)1.14(NbS2)n (n = 1, 2) and [(Pb,Sb)S]1.14NbS2 were examined by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In these compounds the NaCl-type double MS (M = La, Pb, Sb) layers (Q layers) alternate with the NbS2 layers (H layers) made up of NbS6 trigonal prisms. It was possible to record AFM and STM images for only the H layers for (LaS)1.14(NbS2)n, but for both the H and Q layers for [(Pb,Sb)S]1.14NbS2. Partial and total electron density plots of the H and Q layers were calculated to interpret the observed STM and AFM images. The bright spots in the STM and AFM images of the H layer correspond to S atoms, and those of the Q layer to Pb and Sb atoms. The STM images for the Q layers of [(Pb,Sb)S]1.14NbS2 suggest that a short-range ordering of the Pb and Sb atoms occurs in the (Pb,Sb)S sheets of the Q layer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)266-276
Number of pages11
JournalSurface Science
Volume400
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 12 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Atomic force microscopy
  • Image simulations
  • Misfit layered compounds
  • Scanning tunneling microscopy
  • Sulphides
  • Surface defects
  • Surface structure, morphology, roughness, and topography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopy study of the misfit layer compounds (LaS)1.14(NbS2)n (n = 1, 2) and [(Pb,Sb)S]1.14NbS2'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this