Investigation of gold nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of pyrite by scanning probe microscopy, scanning tunneling spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

• Published in: Glass physics and chemistry Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 417 - 421
• Main Authors: Romanchenko, A. S., Mikhlin, Yu. L., Makhova, L. V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer Nature B.V 01.08.2007
• Subjects: Chemistry; Spectrum analysis
• ISSN: 1087-6596; 1608-313X
• DOI: 10.1134/S1087659607040177

The characteristics of gold spontaneously deposited on the surface of pyrite from an HAuCl^sub 4^ solution at room temperature are investigated by scanning probe microscopy, scanning tunneling spectroscopy, atomic-force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with synchrotron excitation. Within minutes after the onset of the deposition, gold is deposited in the form of metallic particles with a diameter ranging from 8 to 15 nm, which, in turn, subsequently form agglomerates with sizes up to several hundred nanometers. It is revealed that the Au 4f ^sub 7/2^ lines in the X-ray photoelectron spectra of the gold samples are shifted as compared to those for bulk gold and that tunneling in scanning tunneling spectra is suppressed. The effects caused, apparently, by the Coulomb blockage are unusually pronounced for such relatively large particles and decrease rather slowly upon the aggregation of particles.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]