Investigation on Stranski–Krastanow (SK) Growth Mode of Ag Coating in Cu/Ag Core-Shell Composites

Abstract

Cu/Ag core-shell composite was synthesized by the replacement-reduction method and was applied to the catalytic field. The specimens were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The growth mechanism was investigated by the first-principles calculation, including the density of states, Mulliken population, and electronic structures. By comparing the calculation and characterization, it is concluded that the difference in interfacial properties leads to the growth of silver on the copper surface in the Stranski–Krastanow (SK) mode.