A novel nanocomposite coating containing poly (N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK) and zirconia (ZrO₂) nanoparticles was synthesized using chronoamperometry. The effect of ZrO₂ nano particles into the PVK matrix and its mechanical, corrosion protection ability on 316L SS substrates were studied. The incorporation of the nanoparticles was endorsed by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) and EDAX analysis. The spheroidal morphology and core-shell structure were revealed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The thermal studies exhibited the stability of coating. The anticorrosion performance of PVK-ZrO₂ nanocomposite coatings in 3.5 weight (wt.)% NaCl medium was performed with potentiodynamic polarization technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies. The corrosion rate of PVK-ZrO₂ nanocomposite coated 316L SS was found to be 0.58 times lower than uncoated 316L SS and a significant decrease in corrosion potential was realized from －0.211 V_SCE for uncoated 316L SS to 0.112 V_SCE for PVK-ZrO₂ nanocomposite coated 316L SS substrates. The results of this study clearly ascertain that the PVK-ZrO₂ nanocomposite has an outstanding potential to protect 316L SS against corrosion in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl environment. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.5]

Development of environmentally benign methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles is an evolving important branch of nanotechnology. Inorganic-organic hybrid nanocomposites are synthesized by dispersing nanosized CdS in the conducting polypyrrole (PPY) matrix. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopes and UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The wavelength of optical absorption peak of CdS nanoparticle increases from 430 nm to 470 nm with the decrease of polypyrrole concentration. Studies on dc electrical conductivity as a function of temperature suggest that three dimensional Mott’s hopping process occurs in CdS-Polypyrrole nanocomposites. The incorporation of CdS nanoparticles enhances the barrier height. The barrier height increases with the content of CdS. The observed nonlinear current-voltage characteristics are satisfactorily explained using the Schottky type barriers. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.14]

The single crystalline InSb and GaSb thin films on the same Si(111) substrate is an essence of CMOS device fabrication. In this study, the growth of InSb has been observed on InGaSb intermediate layer grown on High Quality (HQ) GaSb buffer layer of single crystalline nature. In this case, In_xGa_1–xSb was initially grown on HQ GaSb/Si(111)-√3 × √3-Ga surface following a two-step growth method. The controlled and precise flux ratio of Ga and Sb enabled HQ GaSb layer to grow without twins. For In_xGa_1–xSb intermediate layer, In ratio x ranged from 0.90 to 0.75 for samples S1–S4 with a step 0.05. To analyze the growth nature and surface morphology, Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) have been performed and studied. It is concluded that InSb epitaxial surfaces have shown better smoothness and fewer defects towards Gallium increase. The growth nature in this case for both InSb epitaxial layer and InGaSb intermediate layer were coherent where HQ GaSb buffer layer was effective in decreasing twins. Some complementary samples were prepared to support the assumptions made before starting the experiments. Finally, the possibility of single crystalline InSb and GaSb thin films on the same Si(111) substrate has been demonstrated. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.20]

An atmospheric-pressure argon (Ar) plasma jet was generated with a frequency of 10 kHz, an applied voltage of 4 kV, and an Ar gas flow rate of 10 L/min. When an aluminum (Al) thin film that was vacuum-deposited on a glass substrate was irradiated with the atmospheric-pressure Ar plasma jet in air for 60 s at an irradiation distance of 2 mm, the surface of the Al thin film was hydrophilized in a circular area with a diameter of 23 mm, which was larger than that of the plasma (6 mm). It was found that the superhydrophilization first occurred at the periphery of the irradiated area (∼5–10 mm from the center of the irradiated area) and then in the area irradiated directly by the plasma (≤∼5 mm from the center of the irradiated area) on the Al thin film. In the previous research on the atmospheric-pressure plasma jet irradiation of Al, the plasma reached Al, and it was reported that the hydrophilicity only improved in the area irradiated directly by the plasma. On the other hand, our plasma in this study did not reach Al. In spite of this, the hydrophilicity improved in the area irradiated directly by the plasma and in the periphery of the irradiated area. On the basis of the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the hydrophobic organic compounds that adsorbed on the surface of the Al thin film are considered to have been removed by the ozone (O₃) generated by the interaction between the plasma and oxygen (O₂) molecules in air. From the O₃ concentration distribution obtained using O₃ test strips, the reason for the faster superhydrophilization in the peripheral area than in the irradiated area was found to be that the peripheral area had the higher concentration of O₃. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.27]

Rhodium nanoparticles were deposited by the evaporation method on a silicon wafer. The process used He gas in a Rh evaporation chamber that was connected to the load-lock chamber of BL6N1 at Aichi Synchrotron Radiation Center (Aichi SR). NO gas was introduced into the evaporation chamber, and the deposited Rh nanoparticles were exposed to NO with and without an ambient atmosphere to study the effect of O₂ on the electronic properties of the Rh nanoparticles and the behavior of NO molecules using synchrotron-radiation X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (SR-XPS). The diameter of the Rh nanoparticles was estimated by transmission electron microscopy to be 2.7±0.6 nm. The XPS analysis indicates that the deposited Rh nanoparticles before NO exposure were in the metallic state. After exposure to NO, a part of the outermost surface of the Rh nanoparticles changed into Rh oxide, and NO molecules, atomic N and O species, and NO₂ were detected. On the other hand, after exposure to NO in ambient air, the surface of the Rh nanoparticles was preferentially oxidized. In addition, a few NO molecules were adsorbed on the surface of Rh, and a small amount of the adsorbed NO that reacted with the surface oxygen turned into NO₂. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.36]

The culture behavior of the osteoblast-like cells on the calcium phosphate (CP) films interacted with phospholipid vesicle (PV) were investigated. The different CP crystalline phases were prepared from the biological solutions such as simulated body fluid (SBF) and unique SBF, which were called as CP/PV and U-CP/PV films, respectively, and these were used after the sterilization. The protein adsorption amounts on the CP/PV films were higher than that of the PV film. The osteoblast-like cells cultured on the U-CP/PV film had the longest length along with the extension direction. The density of the osteoblast-like cells adhered on the CP/PV and U-CP/PV films were higher, suggesting the preferential adhesion on the surfaces. The differentiated osteoblasts on the films were visualized by the alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin-red-S staining methods. It was suggested that the osteoblasts cultured on the CP/PV and U-CP/PV films exhibited the possibility of the high osteogenic activities. Therefore,the PV-interacted CP films prepared from the biological solutions are useful for the osteoblast culture plates. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.156]

Field ion microscope (FIM) is an instrument used to analyze the structure of specimen surface at an atomic scale. In recent years, a position-sensitive detector (PSD) has been used as a detector in FIM. By using the PSD, much information can be obtained, such as the number of released ion from each position. In this work, we studied the ionization in FIM measurement using pulsed laser. In the FIM measurement using the pulsed laser, ions with specific time structure relative to the laser pulse were detected, and the FIM image of these ions was similar to that of a normal FIM image, although the spatial resolution decreased. Furthermore, we observed delay in ionization at the parallel axis along the irradiation direction of the pulsed laser, and we believed that this was caused by the delay in the ionization due to the heat transfer. From the experimental results, we proposed that the heat caused by the pulsed laser was involved in the ionization, in contrast to conventional field ionization. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.190]

To study the physicochemical properties of supported Pt catalysts, we performed DFT calculations for the supported Pt₃ clusters with various oxides. We determined that the chemical potential (μ) of the supported Pt cluster (μ_Pt/MOx) could be described by averaging the μ values of the isolated Pt₃ clusters and support oxides without Pt species (μ_MOx ). The proportional value of the molar fraction of supported Pt species (mol%) should be used as the weighted factors for calculation of the average value. As a result, μ_Pt/MOx could be expected to become μ_MOx for the actual Pt catalysts, because of their low Pt loadings (∼1 wt% ∼ 0.1 mol%). [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.209]

The shave-off scan method is a unique secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) section processing technique using a gallium focused ion beam (Ga FIB). The sample had a distinctive cross-sectional shape after shave-off scanning, and the slope of the cross section related to the incident angle of the beam that affects sputtering yield. This study investigates sputtering yield as a function of shave-off scan speeds based on cross-sectional shapes examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). To conduct a more detailed comparison of the cross sections, the SEM images were converted to an X, Y coordinate system using an in-house program. The sputtering yield decreased as scan speed decreased and incident angle increased. This result opposed the results obtained using conventional raster scanning, and beam profiles could be predicted from the cross-sectional shapes. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.214]

This paper shows the efficacy of the combination of ozonation and adsorbent treatment in removing cationic and anionic dyes (methylene blue and acid orange 7, respectively) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from wastewater. The adsorbent was prepared with coffee ground, rice bran, and soybean bran as sources of waste biomass, and was calcined at 1000°C. We demonstrated three methods, namely, singular ozonation, singular adsorbent treatment, and the combination of the two treatments. The removal percentage of dye and COD by ozonation was greater than that by adsorbent treatment. However, the incomplete removal of dye and COD through ozonation suggested that singular treatment is not sufficient for this purpose. Subsequently, we evaluated the combination treatment; the removal percentage of dye and COD by this treatment was higher than those from the singular treatments, which indicates that the adsorption and degradation capacities were enhanced. In addition, the calcined adsorbent could be used at least four times. These results show the novelty and utility of this treatment for the removal of dye and COD from wastewater containing dye. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.229]

Tungsten oxide (WO₃) films have been deposited on glass substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering of tungsten target. We examined the effect of oxygen flow rate in argon and helium atmosphere on the structural, optical, and electrochromic properties of WO₃ films. When helium gas is replaced with argon, the particle sizes and the band gap will get affected. Band gap values were obtained over a range of 2.62 eV to 3.09 eV. The atomic mass of the sputtering gas also plays a prime role in changing the primary crystallite size, orientation, as well as band gap. We could relate the crystallization of tungsten atoms with low oxygen flow rate when films are deposited in helium instead of argon due to Penning ionization. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.289]

Nanoporous copper/nickel (NP-Cu/Ni) were prepared by electroless plating of Ni-P on nanoporous copper (NP-Cu). The influence of concentration ratio of lactic acid to citric acid on the morphologies and mechanical properties of NP-Cu/Ni was investigated. The results showed that the ligament width increased after electroless plating and the three-dimensional bicontinuous ligament-channel structure was retained. The mechanical properties were improved. NP-Cu/Ni prepared using concentration ratio of 30 g/L : 20 g/L demonstrated the best comprehensive performance. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.310]

A theory of localized bulk and surface plasmons for metal nanostructures in dielectrics is derived in the random phase approximation at the high frequency condition. The induced charge density in dielectrics is added to the induced charge density by the plasmons appeared in the previously reported integral equation for the scalar potential. The integral equation is composed of the local electron density in metal nanostructures, the local electric susceptibility of dielectrics and the retarded Green's function. In the quasi-static approximation, the integral equation is transformed into the one that is composed of the local dielectric functions for metals and dielectrics and the Coulomb potential. Using a model where the local dielectric functions have step function shapes at the interfaces between the metals and dielectrics, it can be analytically solved in the quasi-static approximation. The localized surface plasmon frequencies and the light emission intensities are then derived for metal nanostructures such as ultrathin layer, nanowire, and nanosphere. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.329]

We have shown a possibility of multi-atom resonant X-ray Raman (MARX-Raman) spectroscopy by measuring the N K-edge loss spectrum of TaN at Ta L₃-edge and C K-edge loss spectrum of Er(C₅H₅)₃ at Er L₁-edge. When the excitation X-ray energy was tuned to the Ta L₃-edge and inelastic scattering spectra were recorded around 400 eV loss corresponding to the N K-edge Raman region, we found a clear enhancement of emission spectrum. The same enhancement was observed in C K-edge Raman region in Er(C₅H₅)₃. These experimental results have indicated the possibility of MARX-Raman phenomenon which may lead to a new in situ and bond-specific XAFS spectroscopy for low Z elements. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.387]

We studied the adsorption of H on Cs/W(110) by performing density functional theory (DFT) based total energy calculations to determine the influence of H on Cs stability on the surface. For reference, we also independently examined the adsorption of H and Cs on clean W(110). We found that the adsorption energies of both H and Cs decrease in the presence of the other. H adsorbs more strongly in H/W(110) as compared to the coadsorbed system H/Cs/W(110). We observe the same trend for Cs adsorption in Cs/W(110) and H/Cs/W(110) systems. Due to the greater electronegativity of H as compared to Cs, increasing the H coverage further weakens Cs adsorption on the W surface. The results suggest that the presence of H could lead to the desorption of Cs from the surface and thus, it is necessary to reevaluate the designs of Cs/W systems used in negative hydrogen production applications. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.391]

We theoretically investigate the desorption process of an argon atom from a vibrating nanographene sheet. A high eigenfrequency of a graphene membrane owing to a small mass density per area and a large Young's modulus of graphene enable increasing the velocity of an atom enough to escape from the attractive interaction between the atom and graphene in a short time by accelerating the graphene sheet. We present the dependence of the velocity of ejected atom on the frequency and amplitude of the graphene membrane and consider an application to heating gas in small cavity. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.400]

The pure TiO₂ thin films were successfully deposited onto a glass substrate by using modified spray pyrolysis system. The TiO₂ thin films were deposited at temperature 350°C using Titanium trichloride precursor solutions of concentration 0.075 M, 0.1 M, and 0.125 M. Also, TiO₂ thin films with precursor solutions of concentration 0.1 M were deposited at different deposition temperature 350°C, 400°C, and 450°C. The prepared samples were further annealed at 500°C for 2 h to improve crystallinity. The XRD study revealed that the deposited TiO₂ thin films were polycrystalline and showed anatase phase with pre-dominant (101) peak. The crystallite size calculated from XRD was found to increase with increase in precursor solution concentration. The mathematical model to calculate crystallite size and film thickness were developed and the predicted results were compared with experimental results. The experimentally calculated crystallite size and thickness was in good agreement with the predicted results. The details of mathematical model and calculations TiO₂ thin films for were discussed in detail. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.419]

Wide range of cements used in dentistry for cementation of dental restorations to tooth structure. The properties of dental cements should be carefully considered during their selection for achievement of long-term clinical performance of cemented dental restorations. Conventional zinc phosphate cement and other types of dental cements except polycarboxylate and glass-ionomer depend on their retention to tooth structure upon mechanical bonding. Bioactive glasses have shown a talented result in minerals regeneration. Therefore, the aim of this article is to create bioactivate zinc phosphate dental cement by incorporation of nano-sized bioglass. A total of 20 specimens; 10 specimens per type of cement were prepared. The control group was made by mixing the conventional zinc phosphate dental cement. The other group was made by addition of 5 wt% nano-sized bioactive glass powders (45S5) to the conventional zinc phosphate dental cement. The fresh mix packed into cylindrical Teflon molds and then stored in deionized water for 7 days. The pH variations were measured immediately after immersion and after 7 days storage using pH meter. Calcium and phosphorus ion release were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. It also evaluated the surface microhardness of the experimental cements using digital Vickers hardness tester. Regarding pH changes mean values, the bioglass contained zinc phosphate cement group showed significantly higher mean pH values than control group. As regards the bioglass contained zinc phosphate cement group; there was a significant increase in mean pH values after setting as well as after 7 days storage. While in control group, there was a significant decrease in mean pH values after setting followed by a significant increase in mean pH values after 7 days storage. Regarding calcium and phosphorus ions release mean values, the bioglass contained zinc phosphate cement group showed significantly higher mean values than the other control group. Regarding surface microhardness, the bioglass contained zinc phosphate cement group showed significantly higher mean surface microhardness values than control group. In conclusion, bioactivation of conventional zinc phosphate cement by addition of nano-sized bioglass filler leads to calcium and phosphorus ions release which may be beneficial for chemical bonding to tooth structure with enhanced surface microhardness and minimal irritating effect. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.431]

It's hard to imagine that we can take a splinter and sharpen it down to the atomic level. It's even more impressive that we can bring this sharp tip close to a surface, scan it over the surface, and be sensitive to the tiny forces between the apex atom and individual atoms on the surface. Measuring and interpreting these forces is the goal of high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM). We perform frequency-modulation AFM (FM-AFM), in which we oscillate the tip and record the change in frequency as a measure of the interaction with the surface. FM-AFM performed in vacuum with stiff sensors has lead to amazing discoveries. Now, we are returning to the challenge of imaging samples in device- and biologically-relevant conditions. This contribution summarizes work that was performed in the Giessibl group to image with atomic resolution in ambient and liquid environments. We demonstrated atomic resolution with the qPlus sensor on KBr, and followed this with investigations on graphitic surfaces. We have also shown single-atomic defects and steps on the calcite surface. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.351]

The 8th International Symposium on Surface Science (ISSS-8), which was organized by The Surface Science Society of Japan (SSSJ), Public Interest Incorporation Association, took place from October 22 to 26, 2017, at Tsukuba International Congress Center in Tsukuba, Japan. On behalf of the ISSS-8 organization committee, I would like to invite you to the collection of papers that were originally presented in ISSS-8. Scope of ISSS-8 includes eight basic sessions, Surface and Interface Structures, Surface Dynamics, Nanomaterials and Fabrication, Physical Properties, Characterization Methods, Surface Chemistry, Biosurfaces and Biointerfaces, and Green Technologies, and three topical ones, Advanced 2D Materials, Single Molecular Imaging and Manipulation, and Surfaces and Interfaces in Green Technologies. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.A3]

Titania nanosheets (TNSs) are expected to lead to higher photocatalytic performance than bulk TiO₂ because its high reactivity arises from the two-dimensional structure. While their electronic properties are considered to be easily affected by structural vacancies, the effects of vacancies in TNSs on the photocatalytic performance are not clear. In order to study them, we have performed first-principles molecular dynamics simulations for structure models of TNSs with several vacancies. First, we have calculated the electronic density of states and bandgap energies E_g. It has been found that E_g of our structure modes of TNSs with vacancies are larger than bulk anatase. This tendency is consistent with the experimentally observed relationship of E_g between TNSs and anatase. It has been clarified from non-adiabatic calculations that the existence of vacancies in TNSs causes spatial charge separation and leads to longer recombination time. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.1]

We investigated the coating process of mesostructured triblock copolymer-tetraethoxysilane (P123-TEOS) and mesoporous silica (MPS) films on a bioinert poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) with the different cross-linker concentrations through an oxygen-plasma treatment to evaluate the mesostructure formation and adsorption ability of proteins (albumin, fibrinogen, γ-globulin, fetal bovine serum). In the PDMS preparation, the cross-linker concentration affected the polymer network formation and the siliceous layer was formed on the most-surfaces by the plasma treatment. The transparent siliceous films of P123-TEOS and MPS were successfully covered on the cross-linked PDMS without voiding and the coating film thicknesses were ca. 100 nm. The FT-IR spectra indicated that the change from P123-TEOS to MPS occurred with preserving the PDMS chemical bonds by the calcination. Especially, the XRD patterns and nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms of the MPS on PDMS indicated the mesostructured film formation with preserving the ordered nanopore structures (BJH pore sizes: 1.6－4.2 nm, BET surface areas: 394－602 m²/g). The hydrophobic PDMS surfaces became more wettable by the coating. The adsorption amounts of acidic proteins (albumin, fibrinogen) were changed by the coating. For the fibrinogen, the P123-TEOS on PDMS exhibited the most adsorption sites. Therefore, the bio-interactive properties of the PDMS surfaces were demonstrated based on the coating processes. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.41]

A computational method is devised for calculating angle-resolved photoelectron spectra using a plane-wave basis and repeated-slab geometry. The method is tested with a one-dimensional model with a rectangular potential well. The model parameters are adjusted to reproduce electronic structure of graphene at the Γ point of the Brillouin zone, as obtained from density functional theory. Photoemission final states with proper boundary conditions are constructed from linear combinations of supercell eigenstates such as to match the free wave at the center of the vacuum region. These states, calculated with a moderate plane-wave cut-off, agree very well with the exact wave function. The computed photoemission intensity differs strongly from the popular (single) plane-wave approximation and shows a pronounced energy dependence. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.49]

Desorption of positive ions as well as neutrals from bulk cesium chloride has been investigated in the moderate temperature (< 500°C), which is lower than its melting point (645°C). At this moderate temperature range, neutral Cs was slightly desorbed, but desorption of Cs⁺ ions was not observed. On the other hand, when the positive potential was applied to the sample, Cs⁺ ions were desorbed with abnormally high intensity. The ratio of the desorbed ions to neutrals (I_Cs+ /I_Cs) showed a maximum at around 415°C. Based on the analysis using the Saha-Langmuir model, the observed high Cs⁺ desorption yield under electric field was interpreted by the changes in the surface work function caused by the phase transition of CsCl. The abnormally high Cs⁺ desorption yield at such low temperature under electric field would be applied to various fields such as ion production in accelerator and separation of cesium from complex systems through dry process. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.53]

The presence of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of dioctadecyl sulfide (DOS) on a Au(111) electrode affects the underpotential deposition (UPD) of copper in sulfuric acid solution. The first stage of the UPD, i.e., formation of the √3 × √3 R30° lattice comprising the honeycomb structure of copper, is delayed by the DOS SAM of the lower-density phase, in which the chain axis is parallel to the surface. Neutral molecules are preferentially adsorbed on the Au(111) electrode surface at around the potential of zero charge (pzc), which is approximately −0.1 V (vs. Hg|Hg₂SO₄) in sulfuric acid solution. The adsorption of copper ions at this potential is inhibited by the DOS SAM, which delays the successive Cu-UPD process in the first stage. In contrast, the DOS SAM of the higher-density phase, in which the chain axis is standing upright, inhibits the entire UPD process. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.60]

The structure of platinum (Pt) silicide products grown on Si(001) substrate by Pt deposition at 600°C was analyzed using coaxial impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy. The resulting surface always had two kinds of products, nanowires and islands. The Pt₂Si crystals with four low index surface planes were took up as candidates for the products, and it was found that the nanowires and islands of the Pt silicide were composed of Pt₂Si with (010) and Si-terminated (001) as surface planes, respectively. The surface energy calculation performed using density functional theory calculation indicated that the Si-terminated Pt₂Si(001) had the lowest energy among the examined surfaces, which is consistent with the fact that islands are the major products on the surface. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.66]

Graphene is a two-dimensional sheet of carbon atoms, which consists of two π-electron sublattices. At zigzag-type edges, there is an imbalance between the two sublattices that creates an edge-localized state, which causes a sharp increase of the local density of states (LDOS) at the Dirac point. Simulations of single vacancies on graphene, that also cause localized states, show that the LDOS is suppressed on both sides of the peak energy, where the suppression range depends on the extent of the sublattice imbalance. Here, we studied edges of hexagonal nanopits with monatomic depth prepared by hydrogen-plasma etching of graphite surfaces with scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy at T = 4.7 K and 78 K. In addition to a prominent peak near the Dirac point, we found a clear suppression of the LDOS on both sides of the peak over a ±100 mV range, which has not been observed before. Analogous to single vacancies, such a LDOS can be caused by the high sublattice imbalance, which indicates that the fabricated edges are substantially rich in zigzag structure. An exponential decay of the spectral weight of the edge-state has been observed with a decay length of 1.2 ± 0.3 nm at T = 78 K, which is consistent with previous works. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.72]

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are used for adjusting the work function of metal electrodes in organic devices. Since the energy level difference between the HOMO or LUMO and the work function affects the electron injection through the metal-organic interfaces, fine tuning of the work function is of importance. To control the work function from external environment, external large electric field on low-density SAMs is reported to be effective. In order to obtain a direct evidence for the structural switching of the SAM, X-ray reflectivity measurements were performed. The result shows that the molecular tilting of 10° is induced by the external voltage application. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.76]

Organic semiconductors with a high carrier mobility can be realized by controlling a growth direction of the thin film. A new method to control the growth direction is using a temperature gradient. Molecular orientation strongly influences on the carrier mobility. Therefore, the molecular orientation of 2,7-dioctyl benzothieno benzothiophene (C₈-BTBT) thin films grown under a temperature gradient, has been evaluated by X-ray absorption fine structure measurements. It is considered that the C₈-BTBT has a molecular orientation with standing up on the substrate, and is aligned to the temperature gradient direction. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.79]

Using reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED), we demonstrate the behavior of a wave field formed on a graphite crystal surface. The sample used is highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, which is a polycrystalline (mosaic crystal) with a few micrometers-sized domain rotated on a plane. One-beam dynamical calculation is proved to be effective for analyzing the distance between the atomic planes. One-beam dynamical calculation is also used to obtain a wave field, which is incident electron density distribution, for surface normal direction. The characteristic behavior of the wave field at Bragg conditions is demonstrated by the Auger electron intensity of carbon excited by RHEED incident electron beam. This can be measured by changing the glancing angle using beam rocking Auger electron spectroscopy (BRAES). It has been found that the anomalous intensities in the measured BRAES profile almost correspond to the calculated wave field intensities on the atomic planes. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.88]

A fast phase retrieval approach from reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) intensities is proposed for monitoring growing surfaces almost in real time. The approach is based on a hybrid input-output algorithm and the processing time is reduced in two ways by taking peculiarities to RHEED intensities during growth. One is to reduce the number of sampling points along the incident beam direction in which the number is much larger than that in the normal direction due to grazing incidence of the beam. The other is to reduce the number of iterations in the retrieving process. The resulting real space objects are well reproduced providing surface morphology during growth approximately in 0.1 s. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.97]

We report the magnetic dead layer at the interfaces between Fe and Si(111) surfaces. We prepared two ultrathin iron-silicides, c(8×4) prepared at 900 K and p(2×2) at 700 K, and clean reconstructed 7×7 surface for the silicon templates. By using magneto-optical Kerr effect, we found that at room temperature the ferromagnetic order appears at 5.5 ML, 8.2 ML, and 10.9 ML for Fe/c(8×4) silicide, Fe/p(2×2) silicide, and Fe/Si(111)-7×7 surface, respectively. From the thickness dependent magnetization measurements, we decided the magnetic dead layer for Fe/c(8×4) silicide, Fe/p(2×2) silicide, and Fe/Si(111)-7×7 to be 3.0 ML, 5.0 ML, and 7.5 ML, respectively. Our results indicate that the c(8×4) iron silicide surface prevents further silicide formation more effectively than the p(2×2) silicide and Si(111)-7×7 surface. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.101]

Indium nanoparticles were deposited on zeolite powders using a pulse arc plasma system. The resulting materials were capable of catalyzing an organic chemical reaction, namely the Friedel-Crafts alkylation between benzhydryl chloride and anisole. Varying the electrical capacitance in the plasma system (360 μF or 1080 μF) resulted in some changes in the indium concentration on the sample surface and in the size of the indium nanoparticles, but the catalytic ability of the material was largely unaffected. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.105]

Recently, two-dimensional atomic sheets composed of group-IV elements, which are expected to possess intriguing properties in terms of electronic and spin-related phenomena, have been fabricated on various substrate surfaces. The atomic configurations of atomic sheets are varied depending on the bonding character of the elements and the interaction with substrates. In particular, the magnitude of buckling and the spacing between the atomic sheet and the substrate are crucial to elucidate the origin of its properties. In this review, we report the structure determinations of graphene, silicene, and germanene on the particular substrate surfaces by using total-reflection high-energy positron diffraction (TRHEPD) technique. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.111]

As a model surface of Co-Mo alloy catalysts for ammonia decomposition, Co deposited Mo(112) surface has been investigated by XPS, UPS, LEED, and kinetic measurement using a high-pressure reactor. Co deposition on Mo(112) surface followed by annealing at 1000 K shows a (1×1) LEED pattern with the split along the [-1-11] direction and a characteristic emission at −2.9 eV for Co-Mo d-band hybridization. The decomposition of ammonia on Co/Mo(112) surface proceeds accompanied by nitride formation. The reaction rate exhibits half order dependence on ammonia pressure with an activation energy of 101 kJ/mol, which is in good agreement with the results on alumina supported Co-Mo alloy catalysts. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.115]

Optical properties of diluted narrow band gap magnetic semiconductor nanowire colloids are controlled by modest magnetic fields under 100 Oe. High aspect ratio NiFe₂O₄ nanowires are used to achieve responsiveness to magnetic field, light absorption and -scattering. Visible light reflectance of the diluted colloids can be either increased or decreased depending on the nanowire alignment relative to the direction of the light propagation. The prepared colloids can be applied as magneto-optical switches or as smart window devices. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.119]

We have measured the soft X-ray absorption and emission spectra of near B-K and C-K absorption edges of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) doped with a small amount (0.32 at.%) of boron (B), including incident/takeoff angle dependence. The main peak intensities at the B-K edge around 182 eV were almost independent on the change of takeoff angle. On the other hand, the satellite peak around 185 eV becomes larger as the takeoff angle becomes smaller. Based on this result, unlike the previous assignment of the main peak predicted from the quantum chemical calculation (π orbitals), it is reasonable to attribute the main peak to the σ orbitals. The takeoff angle dependence of the B-K emission is similar to the angle dependency of the C-K emission of undoped HOPG. Based on this and the theoretical consideration, it is presumable that the doped B atom does not intercalate between the layers of HOPG; it replaces the C atom of the hexagonal network structure and has a wave function similar to that of C atoms (sp² type hybridized orbital). [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.122]

In this study, we performed a mass-spectrometric study of cluster ions scattered on glass surfaces covered with ferrocene molecules under the incidence of 4.8 keV-C₆₀^q+ (q = 1 and 2) ions. A couple of optical flats covered with 11-ferrocenyl-1-undecanethiol self-assembled monolayer surfaces (Fc-thiol-SAMs) faced each other with a shape called a tapered planar channel (TPC) and C₆₀ ions entered the wider opening gap. The mass and charge of each ion exiting from the narrower gap of the TPC were successfully analyzed using time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with the parallel plate charge separation method. When the TPC was tilted by 2° with respect to the C₆₀ ion beam axis, the mass distribution peak shifted to ∼730 u. Furthermore, we conducted an elemental analysis of the scattered particles deposited on a Si substrate by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A significant increase in the amount of iron atoms was confirmed for the deposited substrate, as compared with non-deposited substrates. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.127]

We analyze the stability of the atomic configurations of tips in the adhesion process in noncontact atomic force microscopy (AFM) using a potential energy surface (PES). We calculate the PES for two types of atomic configurations of the tip as typical cases of reconstruction and irreversible change during the adhesion process. The stability of the tips after atomic contact with the surface is explained on the basis of the calculated PESs, which are affected by the strength of the atomic bond between the tip and the surface. It is shown from the computational model for the AFM that an unstable tip leads to a larger energy dissipation compared to that for a stable tip. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.132]

Photo-induced chemical reaction of p-aminobenzenthiol (ABT) was investigated using the lithographically fabricated mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ). The ABT single-molecule junction was formed at the nanogap of the MCBJ and the formation was confirmed by the electronic transport measurement including current versus bias voltage characteristics. Light irradiation at the nanogap revealed that ABT molecules were subject to photo-induced dimerization, which was confirmed by measuring SERS spectrum. In addition, we tuned the gap size using MCBJ technique and demonstrated that the photo-induced dimerization was absent for the molecules at the wide gap. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.137]

In this study, we recorded the transitional response in terms of terahertz transmittance of zeolitic imidazole framework-8 [Zn(2-methylimidazolate)₂, ZIF-8] at 2.0 THz as a function of exposure time to gaseous propane and n-butane. The transmittance at 2.0 THz increased as gas adsorbed onto the ZIF-8. Conversely, during a nitrogen purge, transmittance decreased as the alkane gas desorbed. We estimated time constants for the adsorption and desorption of the two gases by comparing the plots of their responses. We also demonstrated the potential of using a combination of ZIF materials and terahertz technology as a novel gas analyzer. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.142]

We have investigated the current-voltage (I-V) curves of the benzenedithiol (BDT) single molecular junction as a function of stretch length of the junction. The BDT single molecular junction was prepared with the nano fabricated Au electrodes using the mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ). The conductance of the BDT single molecular junction gradually decreased with the stretching length of the junction. We analyzed the obtained I-V curves based on the two different models; the single channel model and the field emission model. Based on the single channel model, it was revealed that the decrease in conductance was mainly caused by the decreases in the metal-molecule coupling and that the HOMO approached to the Fermi level with the decrease in the electrode separation. The energy shift of the HOMO was supported by the analysis based on the field emission model. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.145]

The structure and surface chemistry of ultrathin metallic films of one metal on another are strongly influenced by factors such as lattice mismatch and the formation of near-surface alloys. New morphologies may result with modified chemical properties which in turn open up different routes for molecular adsorption, desorption and surface functionalization, with important consequences in several fields of application.
The Cu/Au(111) system has received the attention of many studies, only a few however have been performed in ultra-high vacuum (UHV), using surface sensitive techniques. In this contribution, the room temperature deposition of copper onto the (22×√3)-Au(111) surface, from submonolayer to thick film, is investigated using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM).
The onset of copper adsorption is seen to occur preferentially at alternate herringbone elbows, with a preference for hcp sites. With increasing coverage, copper-rich islands exhibit a reconstructed surface reminiscent of the clean Au(111) herringbone reconstruction. Disordered, pseudo-ordered and ordered surface layers are observed upon annealing. Models for the initial adsorption/incorporation mechanism, formation of adlayers and evolution with increasing coverage and annealing are qualitatively discussed. Further, the reactivity of copper-doped Au(111) systems is considered towards the adsorption of organic molecules of interest in nanotechnology and in catalytic applications. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.163]

Effects of electric fields on magnetization of ferromagnetic Ni films grown on a Cu(001) single crystal covered with antiferromagnetic NiO overlayer are investigated by means of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD), and magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). The growth of the NiO overlayer on the Ni film is confirmed by XAS, and it is revealed by XMCD and MOKE that the NiO/Ni films show a spin reorientation transition from in-plane to perpendicular magnetization with increasing Ni thickness. It is also observed that the coercive field of the Ni films increases as the NiO thickness increases, possibly due to the interaction with antiferromagnetic NiO. Remanent magnetization of the Ni film is found to be modified by the application of electric fields. The possible origin of the electric-field effects is discussed, and some change in magnetic anisotropy of the Ni film is suggested. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.186]

In this study, we calculated the diffusion of an Fe atom on graphene and various light-element (B, N, O, Si, P, and S)-doped graphene supports, using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. We focused on dopants that could suppress the detachment and diffusion of an Fe atom. Such doped graphene supports would have strong potential in high-durability fuel cell catalysts and hydrogen storage materials. The Fe atom adsorbs on pristine graphene via ionic bonding. The bonding between the Fe atom and pristine graphene is very weak, and it has a low adsorption energy of −0.61 eV. Doped graphene contains unoccupied localized orbitals. B-, O-, Si-, and P-doped graphene show high adsorption energies of −1.70 eV, −2.70 eV, −1.46 eV, and −1.38 eV, respectively. Thus, these graphene supports could suppress the detachment of Fe nanoclusters and nanoparticles. We demonstrate that these doped graphene supports with high adsorption energies also have high diffusion barriers, which suppresses the agglomeration of Fe nanoclusters and nanoparticles. We conclude that B-, O-, Si-, and P-doped graphene are promising supports for enhancing the adsorption lifetime of Fe nanoclusters and nanoparticles. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.193]

This paper modestly expands an invited talk at ISSS-8 with the same title. After reviewing the relevant interactions between adsorbates on substrates with metallic surface states [especially Cu(111)], it focuses on organic adsorbates. Of particular interest are those which form honeycomb lattices with pores of various sizes. The nature of the confined states derived from the surface-state electrons is discussed as their effect on admolecules inside the pores. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.201]

Si-based nanosheet bundles were formed by Ca-atom extraction from CaSi₂ crystals by thermal treatment using FeCl₂, FeCl₃, NH₄Cl, and MgCl₂. The morphological property of the Si-based nanosheet bundles was examined. Though the Si-based nanosheets were formed under the stated thermal treatment conditions using FeCl₃, the formation of iron-oxide phases was accelerated at higher temperatures and longer duration times for the highest thermal treatment temperatures using FeCl₂. Thinner and thicker nanosheets were obtained using NH₄Cl and MgCl₂, respectively. The morphological properties of the Si-based nanosheet bundles were compared to each other and their formation mechanism was discussed in terms of the thermal instability of the chlorides, their vapor pressure and thermal treatment temperature profiles. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.218]

The growth mode of Cu nanoparticles deposited on the rutile TiO₂(110) surfaces have been investigated by high-resolution medium energy ion scattering (MEIS). The observed MEIS spectra are well reproduced assuming the hemispherical and two-dimensional islands. The MEIS results indicated that the two-dimensional islands of Cu nanoparticles grow initially up to Cu coverage of 0.3 ML and then three-dimensional islands growth become dominant. Interestingly, growth mode is the same tendency for both reduced TiO₂ (R-TiO₂) and oxygen-rich TiO₂ (O-TiO₂). These results indicate that Cu has grown as a Volmer-Weber growth mode for TiO₂ system and that Cu nanoparticles are formed as both 2D- and 3D- islands on R- and O-TiO₂. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.225]

The electronic structure of the VO film grown on Ag(100) has been studied by photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) utilizing synchrotron radiation. The Ag(100) surface covered by the VO film formed by V deposition in O₂ at 3.7 × 10⁻⁹ Torr and subsequent annealing at 450°C gave a (1 × 1) LEED pattern. In the PES spectra for the (1 × 1) VO film, the conduction band mostly composed of V 3d-components was observed at 0—2.5 eV. The valence band mostly composed of O 2p-components was formed overlapping with the substrate Ag 4d band, and the analysis of the resonant PES spectra revealed that the band existed at 4—10 eV. Both of the PES spectra for the VO film at room temperature and for that cooled to 4.86 K showed a clear cut-off at the Fermi edge, implying that the (1 × 1) VO film has a metallic electronic structure when the temperature is higher than 4.86 K. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.236]

The surface oxidation of a Au@NiO core-shell catalyst is the key to its catalytic activity. In this density functional theory (DFT) study, we explain why the Au core promotes the oxidation of the NiO shell. The Au@NiO catalyst is represented by a slab model in which NiO(001) layers are placed on Au(001) substrates (NiO/Au). Ni vacancy and oxygen adsorption are examined as the surface oxidized state. Spin density analysis, as well as differential charge density analysis, shows that the oxidation of NiO/Au depletes the electrons in the Au—O antibonding orbitals at the interface, instead of creating holes in NiO. Thus, the highly-oxidized state of the NiO shell is stabilized by its interaction with the Au core. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.242]