Graphene-Templated Growth of Pd Nanoclusters

Abstract

Graphene grown on Rh(111) was used as a template for the growth of Pd nanoclusters. Using high-resolution synchrotron radiation-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we studied the deposition of Pd on corrugated graphene in situ. From the XP spectra, we deduce a cluster-by-cluster growth mode. The formation of clusters with 3 nm diameter was confirmed by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy measurements. The investigation of the thermal stability of the Pd particles showed three characteristic temperature regimes: Up to 550 K restructuring of the particles takes place, between 550 and 750 K the clusters coalesce into larger agglomerates, and finally between 750 and 900 K Pd intercalates between the graphene layer and the Rh surface.

Adsorption and Reaction of SO2 on Graphene-Supported Pt Nanoclusters

“…Subsequently, Pt was deposited by electron beam evaporation. The Moiré structure of the lattice-mismatched graphene thereby serves as template for the formation of nanoclusters [3,7]. Selected S 2p spectra measured during adsorption of SO 2 on 0.7 ML Pt/Gr/ Rh(111) at 150 K are shown in Fig.…”

“…Therefore, a model system on a chemically inert support material is desirable. Recently, the fabrication of nano-cluster arrays using the template effect of the graphene Moiré structure on lattice-mismatched substrates has been explored in detail [3][4][5][6][7]. These nanocluster arrays are intriguing model systems for catalysis due to the small size distribution of the metal particles, on a chemically innocent support.…”

Reactivity and Passivation of Fe Nanoclusters on h‐BN/Rh(111)

“…One successful route to efficiently study the properties of metal clusters is to prepare ordered nanocluster arrays on corrugated templates such as the 2D materials graphene or hexagonal boron nitride ( h‐ BN) on certain transition metal surfaces. Due to the lattice mismatch, lateral differences in the strength of interaction between the 2D material and the metal surface occur, leading to a regularly corrugated Moiré‐patterned nanosheet [21–24] . Metal nanocluster arrays deposited onto such ordered structured substrates have a narrow size distribution and thus serve as model catalysts, representing an innovative approach to overcome the material gap to commercial catalysts [25,26] .…”

Growth of metalloid aluminum clusters on graphene vacancies

“…Graphene may o↵er a high degree of control over the arrangement and separation of nanoclusters, allowing templated growth of systems with specific cluster topologies and electronic structures. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] The electronic interactions between graphene and the guest material play a central role in the early growth process. 16,17 A Monte Carlo study conducted by Guo et al 12 on ZnO nanoparticle growth on graphene showed that the deformation of Zn clusters and layering on the graphene provides suitable nucleation sites governed mainly by Zncarbon bond formation.…”