Preparation of an ordered ultra-thin aluminosilicate framework composed of hexagonal prisms forming a percolated network

Abstract

A flat ultra-thin (0.5nm thick) aluminosilicate framework was grown using Ru(0001) as a template. The structure and composition were determined by a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy electron diffraction, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments. This film is composed mainly of an ordered arrangement of double six-membered rings d6r (a.k.a. hexagonal prisms) and it covers ∼45% of the surface, forming a two-dimensional percolated network. The remaining “uncovered” area leaves the Ru(0001) surface exposed through irregularly shaped holes of sizes in the mesopore scale range. The film morphology is different from that observed for pure silica, where a monolayer structure bound to the Ru substrate was produced under the same preparation conditions. The results provide further insights into the factors that influence the formation of two-dimensional frameworks intended to be used as model systems for surface science studies of rigid porous materials.