Surface Nano-Structuring by Adsorption and Chemical Reactions

Abstract

Nano-structuring of the surface caused by adsorption of molecules or atoms and by the reaction of surface atoms with adsorbed species are reviewed from a chemistry viewpoint. Self-assembly of adsorbed species is markedly influenced by weak mutual interactions and the local strain of the surface induced by the adsorption. Nano-structuring taking place on the surface is well explained by the notion of a quasi-molecule provided by the reaction of surface atoms with adsorbed species. Self-assembly of quasi-molecules by weak internal bonding provides quasi-compounds on a specific surface. Various nano-structuring phenomena are discussed: (i) self-assembly of adsorbed molecules and atoms; (ii) self-assembly of quasi-compounds; (iii) formation of nano-composite surfaces; (iv) controlled growth of nano-materials on composite surfaces. Nano-structuring processes are not always controlled by energetic feasibility, that is, the formation of nano-composite surface and the growth of nano-particles on surfaces are often controlled by the kinetics. The idea of the “kinetic controlled molding” might be valuable to design nano-materials on surfaces.

Keywords

• self-assembly
• nano-structuring
• nano-dots and lines
• formation and array of quasi-compounds
• reaction of surface atoms
• phase boundaries
• reconstruction
• Cu(100)
• Cu(110)
• Ag(110)
• Ni(110)
• Au(111)-hex
• Si(111)-7 × 7
• electronic and magnetic properties of nano-metals