Growth and oelic acid adsoption on magnetite nanoparticles on STO (100)

We aim to explore the growth and epitaxy of magnetite nanoparticles on SrTiO3(100) (STO) by in-situ grazing incidence x-ray diffraction. We will monitor the role of temperature and oxygen pressure in growth, epitaxy and orientation of the nanoparticles. Form reciprocal space maps, we will elucidate the 3D shape of the nanoparticles and possible surface reconstructions on the nanoparticle facets. Furthermore, we will study the adsorption of formic acid and oleic acid on these nanoparticles and record possible adsorption-induced shape changes. Our results will deliver important insight into the fundamental properties of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles on STO and their relation to Fe3O4 single crystal surfaces, which we have investigated previously. They will elucidate how the adsorption of organic acids modifies the nanoparticle shape and composition, which is essential for the properties of novel materials based on organic acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles.