Electrostatic potentials of atomic nanostructures at metal surfaces quantified by scanning quantum dot microscopy

Authors: R. Bolat, J. M. Guevara, P. Leinen, M. Knol, H. H. Arefi, M. Maiworm, R. Findeisen, R. Temirov, O. T. Hofmann, R. J. Maurer, F. S. Tautz and C. Wagner

Nature Communications 15, 2259 – Published: 13. March 2024

Abstract: The discrete and charge-separated nature of matter — electrons and nuclei — results in local electrostatic fields that are ubiquitous in nanoscale structures and relevant in catalysis, nanoelectronics and quantum nanoscience. Surface-averaging techniques provide only limited experimental access to these potentials, which are determined by the shape, material, and environment of the nanostructure. Here, we image the potential over adatoms, chains, and clusters of Ag and Au atoms assembled on Ag(111) and quantify their surface dipole moments. By focusing on the total charge density, these data establish a benchmark for theory. Our density functional theory calculations show a very good agreement with experiment and allow a deeper analysis of the dipole formation mechanisms, their dependence on fundamental atomic properties and on the shape of the nanostructures. We formulate an intuitive picture of the basic mechanisms behind dipole formation, allowing better design choices for future nanoscale systems such as single-atom catalysts.

a) Selected constant- current STM images of 1, 4, and 8 Ag adatom chains on Ag(111). b) V* images of the chains in (a). c) Constant-current STM images of 1, 3, 7 Au adatoms on Ag(111). d) V* images of the chains in (c). The colour scale applies to all V* images shown.

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