Towards the geometric structure of small supported Au9 clusters on Si

Abstract

Ultra-small clusters containing few atoms are of high interest in both fundamental research and applications due to their specific functional, magnetic or chemical properties which depend on size and composition. The experimental results of the morphology of the size-selected clusters, consisting of few atoms can be an ideal benchmark for sophisticated theoretical models. With this motivation we have investigated the geometrical structure of mass-selected Au9 clusters deposited on a silicon substrate prepared by soft-landing conditions. We present results obtained experimentally by Grazing-Incidence Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS). Considering the ultra-small size of the clusters and small quantities of material on the surface, we combined advanced techniques which allowed us to investigate the surface structure of the sample. The resulting structural sizes are in concordance with cluster theory. Using a model-based approach, the advanced X-ray techniques allow for understanding how to resolve the possible cluster structure, identify optimal experimental conditions and obtain the probable morphological information which is challenging to be obtained otherwise.

Promoting X-ray scattering data analysis with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy

“…Moreover, 2DCS analysis allows the detection of a hidden polymer signal due to a strong response to the solvent evaporation. Note that GISAXS with synchrotron light is a very sensitive protocol in detecting the sample signal for gold and polymer, even in a sparse monolayer with only a few atomic gold clusters or a few polymer colloidal nanoparticles (Zhang, Rothkirch et al, 2019;Schwartzkopf et al, 2021;Chekrygina et al, 2018).…”

Exploring the materials space in the smallest particle size range: from heterogeneous catalysis to electrocatalysis and photocatalysis

“…The geometrical structure of mass-selected Au 9 clusters deposited on a silicon substrate prepared by soft-landing conditions was investigated in ref. 78 using grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) in combination with a model-based approach.…”

“…The geometrical structure of mass-selected Au 9 clusters deposited on a silicon substrate prepared by soft-landing conditions was investigated in ref. 78 using grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) in combination with a model-based approach. Here the link between structure and observed spectroscopic features is ensured by the use of a simplified (analytic) model, allowing one to obtain the probable morphological information.…”