Growth and characterization of Au, Ni and Au-Ni nanoclusters on 6H-SiC(0001) carbon nanomesh

► Au clusters completely desorb from SiC(0001)-carbon nanomesh surface upon annealing up to 1150 °C. ► Interfacial reaction occurs between Ni and the substrate during thermal annealing via an intercalation process. ► Au-Ni bimetallic clusters with Au enriched on the surface form when depositing Ni first followed by Au growth. ► The thermal stability of the Au-Ni clusters resembles that of the Ni/carbon nanomesh. ► Ni atoms in Au-Ni bimetallic clusters get oxidized by exposure to 5.0 × 10− 7 mbar O2.