A single h-BN layer on Pt(111)

• The structure and formation of an ultrathin hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) film on Pt(111) has been studied by a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy electron diffraction, low energy electron microscopy, X-ray absorption and high resolution core level spectroscopy. The study shows that a single boron nitride layer is formed on Pt(111), resulting in a coincidence structure. High resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of the h-BN ultrathin film display only one of the atomic species in the unit cell. Probing the boron and nitrogen related local density of states by near edge X-ray absorption fine structure measurements we conclude that the nitrogen sublattice is visible in STM images. The growth of the single hexagonal boron nitride layer by vapourized borazine in the pressure range of 1 x 10(-6)-1 x 10(-8) at 800 degrees C is further studied by low energy electron microscopy, and reveals that the number of nucleation sites and the perfection of the growth is strongly pressure dependent. A model for the single, hexagonal, boron nitride layer on Pt(111) is proposed.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Atom- och molekylfysik och optik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Low energy electron diffraction (LEED)

Scanning tunneling microscopy

Low index single crystal surfaces

Surface structure

Platinum

Physics

Fysik

Physics

fysik

Low energy electron diffraction (LEED) Scanning tunneling microscopy Low index single crystal surfaces Surface structure Platinum

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)