Abstract
We analyze the surface structure of an α-Fe2O3(0001) film grown on a c-plane sapphire substrate by mist chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which has been recently developed as a simple, safe, and cost-effective film growth method. Using coaxial impact-collision ion scattering spectroscopy, we found that the atomic-layer sequence of the surface termination of an α-Fe2O3(0001) film grown by mist CVD was Fe–O3–Fe– from the top layer. This surface termination is predicted to form in an oxygen-poor environment by density functional theory combined with a thermodynamical approach despite that the mist CVD process is performed with atmospheric-pressure air. The surface structure markedly changes after annealing above 600°C in ultrahigh vacuum. We found that only a couple of layers from the top layer transform into Fe3O4(111) after 650°C annealing, which would be so-called biphase reconstruction. Complete transformation into a Fe3O4(111) film occurs at 700°C, whose atomic-layer sequence is determined to be Fe–O4–Fe3– from the top layer.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
