Abstract
The atomic structure of a three-dimensional Au nanocluster on a TiO2 surface is important for various studies such as photocatalysis and chemical reactions on metal oxide surfaces. However, accessing the atomic structure of a metal nanocluster supported on a metal oxide surface is still challenging possibly because of its small size, complexity, and flexible structure. Here, we report a detuning imaging mode combined with an atomically sharp tip to address these challenges. Using this method, for the first time, we resolve a three-dimensional Au nanocluster on a rutile TiO2 (110) surface. We found that the Au nanocluster was continuously adsorbed at the upper and lower terraces. Our results open up a new methodology for studying subnanometer clusters at various surfaces at an atomic scale.
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