No abstract

Moybdenum-based subnanometre diameter nanowires are easy to synthesize and disperse, and they exhibit a variety of functional properties in which they are superior to other one-dimensional materials. However, further progress in the understanding of physical properties and the development of new and specific applications have so far been impeded by the fact that their structure was not accurately known. Here we report on a combination of systematic x-ray diffraction and extended x-ray absorption fine structure experiments, and first-principles theoretical structure calculations, which are used to determine the atomic skeletal structure of individual Mo6S9−xIx (MoSIx) nanowires, their packing arrangement within bundles and their electronic band structure. From this work we conclude that the variations in functional properties appear to arise from different stoichiometry, not skeletal structure. A supplementary data file is available from http://stacks.iop.org/0957-4484/16/1578

The projected atomic structure of the u-A1203(0001)(~31 X~31)R~9 ' reconstruction has been analyzed by means of the grazing incidence x-ray diffraction technique, which is not limited by the surface insulating character. It consists of two Al planes whose structure is close to that of metallic Al(l 1 1). This overlayer is rotationally reconstructed, is commensurate with the substrate, and displays strong nonlinear static distortion waves. This layer, oxygen depleted, explains why the surface properties are dramatically changed.