Subsequent layer growth of supported nanoparticles by deposition of Sb4 clusters onto MoS2(0001)

Abstract

The surface morphology after deposition of Sb4 clusters onto MoS2(0001) at 90 K has been studied in detail with scanning tunnelling microscopy in ultrahigh vacuum. It has been found that during the initial stage of growth two-dimensional nanoparticles are formed. With increasing coverage these nanoparticles grow layer by layer and each layer has the height of one monolayer of undissociated Sb4 clusters. The interface width (surface roughness) has been quantitatively determined as a function of total coverage. Ideal three-dimensional layer-by-layer growth has been identified for the single particles according to a Poisson distribution of exposed areas of the layers of the particles. Consequently, antimony grows on MoS2(0001) without interlayer diffusion which is suppressed by an effective step edge (Schwoebel-Ehrlich) barrier.