Nanoscale Si template for the growth of self-organized one-dimensional nanostructures

Through silicon deposition onto the silver (1 1 0) surface, we have fabricated in a one-step process a highly perfect nanoscale template consisting of a self-assembled Si nanostripe array with a pitch of 2 nm, covering uniformly the entire surface. Scanning tunneling microscopy investigations show that this system can be used, in a very simple way, as a template for the growth of identical highly ordered one-dimensional nanostructures. The adsorption of Co at room temperature and C60 at 190 °C gives rise to the growth of self-organized one-dimensional nanostructures reproducing the one-dimensional pattern of the Si template.

► We have fabricated in a one-step process a highly perfect nanoscale Si template. ► The template consists of a self-assembled Si nanostripe array with a pitch of 2 nm. ► The adsorption of Co and C60 gives rise to the growth of well ordered nanolines.