A new approach for synthesis of epitaxial nano-thin [formula omitted] alloy via intercalation underneath a graphene

Abstract

In the present study we synthesized nano-thin epitaxial PtxGd alloys on Pt(111) single crystal surface covered with well-oriented graphene and investigated their electronic and atomic structure at different stages of synthesis. Low-energy electron diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy data suggest that deposition of Gd on the graphene/Pt(111) system and its further intercalation at 1080 °C lead to formation of nano-thin Pt5Gd alloy covered with a quasi-freestanding graphene. We demonstrate that atomically flat alloy surface is terminated by Pt atomic layer with “kagome” structure. Control of graphene doping through variation of the alloy stoichiometry may open up new opportunities in developing advanced electronics. Owing to a well-known catalytic activity of Pt5Gd alloy, our thin-film system is promising for low-cost production of catalysts in the near future.