High-resolution study of supported bismuth clusters

Small bismuth clusters with a narrow size distribution (two to ten atoms) were produced by the inert-gas condensation technique and deposited at room temperature on an amorphous carbon film. We have shown that the growth process involves the formation of large particles (diameter from 1·5 to 20 nm). The larger particles have been characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. These particles are formed with a single-crystal core edged by an amorphous shell. Cluster images in the [2201], [0001] and [0110] directions are presented and compared with simulated images of bismuth single crystal.