Structure and diffusion of clusters on Ni surfaces

Chun Li Liu, James B. Adams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

The optimal structure of Ni clusters on Ni(100) and Ni(111) and Pt clusters on Ni(100) are studied using the embedded atom method (EAM). Unlike Ni and Pt clusters on Pt(100) [1,2], the clusters always preferred relatively closed-packed islands over linear chains. The structure of Ni clusters on Ni(111) were generally similar to those of Ir on Ir(111) [3]. Significant variations in dissociation energy indicate that certain "magic number" cluster sizes are favored over others. The diffusion mechanisms of the small clusters were investigated to determine the optimal migration paths and corresponding migration energies. The energy barriers for small clusters of Ni on Ni(100) are comparable to monomers, in qualitative agreement with recent FIM experiments for Ptx/Pt(100) [4]. For Nix/Ni(111) migration energies generally increased with increasing cluster size, in qualitative agreement with experimental results for Ir clusters on Ir(111) [3].

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)73-86
Number of pages14
JournalSurface Science
Volume268
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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

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