Structure and nanotribology of thermally deposited gold nanoparticles on graphite

- Structure and tribology of thermally deposited AuNPs on HOPG have been studied.
- Well-faceted, hexagonal AuNPs are formed on HOPG upon post-deposition annealing.
- The crystalline character of the AuNPs is confirmed via TEM measurements.
- AFM measurements reveal a “2/3” power law dependence of friction on load on AuNPs.
- Friction forces at AuNP edges evolve linearly with increasing height and load.