Structure, Shape and Epitaxy of Supported Magnetite Nanoparticles

The experiment will elucidate on the atomic structure, shape, facet orientations and epitaxy of magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) grown on alpha-Al2O3(0001) using grazing incidence x-ray diffraction under ultra-high vacuum conditions. Exposing the NPs to formic acid (HCOOH) allows for tracking of adsorption-induced structural changes inside the particles and at the interface between the organic molecules and the oxide NP surfaces. The interaction at the interface is argued to be the key element for the exceptional mechanical stability of a new class of nanocomposite materials, assembled from magnetite NPs linked by carboxylic acids. A detailed atomistic understanding of the magnetite surface/ organic acid interface is vital to further tailor the mechanical properties of such novel nanocomposite materials.