Phase segregation and work-function variations on metal surfaces: spontaneous formation of periodic domain structures

Abstract

Electrostatic interactions are shown to be capable of giving rise to periodic domain structures under conditions of phase segregation on metal surfaces. The effect is strongest when the work function difference is large and the domain boundary energy is small. A variety of geometries is considered, but a simple striped phase is found to be energetically favored under most conditions. The theory is closely related to that of surface stress effects, which may simultaneously contribute to the stability of domain superstructures.