Abstract
The transient oxidation stage of a model metal alloy thin film was characterized with in situ ultra-high vacuum (UHV) transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and analytical high-resolution TEM. We observed the formations of nanosized NiO and Cu2O islands when Cu-5at.%Ni(001) was exposed to oxygen partial pressure, $$ {\text{pO}}_{ 2} = 1 \times 10^{ - 4} \,{\text{Torr}} $$ and various temperatures in situ. At 350 °C epitaxial Cu2O islands formed initially and then NiO islands appeared on the surface of the Cu2O island, whereas at 550 °C NiO appeared first. XPS and TEM revealed a sequential formation of NiO and then Cu2O islands at 550 °C. The temperature-dependent oxide selection may be due to an increase of the diffusivity of Ni in Cu with increasing temperature.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
