The equilibrium crystal shape of nickel

Hila Meltzman, Dominique Chatain, Dan Avizemer, Theodore M. Besmann, Wayne D. Kaplan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The crystal shape of Ni particles, dewetted in the solid state on sapphire substrates, was examined as a function of the partial pressure of oxygen (P(O2)) and iron content using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the surface was characterized by atom-probe tomography. Unlike other face-centered cubic (fcc) equilibrium crystal shapes, the Ni crystals containing little or no impurities exhibited a faceted shape, indicating large surface anisotropy. In addition to the {1 1 1}, {1 0 0} and {1 1 0} facets, which are usually present in the equilibrium crystal shape of fcc metals, high-index facets were identified such as {1 3 5} and {1 3 8} at low P(O2), and {0 1 2} and {0 1 3} at higher P(O2). The presence of iron altered the crystal shape into a truncated sphere with only facets parallel to denser planes. The issue of particle equilibration is discussed specifically for the case of solid-state dewetting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3473-3483
Number of pages11
JournalActa Materialia
Volume59
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2011

Keywords

  • Equilibrium crystal shape
  • Solid-state dewetting
  • Surface anisotropy
  • Surface energy
  • Surface segregation

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Metals and Alloys

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