Characterization of Electrodeposited Cobalt/Platinum(Ill) Ultrathin Films and Multilayers

Abstract

ABSTRACTReflection electron microscopy (REM) studies of Co electrodeposition on Pt(111) singlecrystal surfaces under potential control have revealed a heteroepitaxial and simultaneous multinuclear multilayer growth in a range from several up to some ten monolayer coverages at room temperature. This growth process has been dependent upon the crystallization overpotential during electrodeposition. REM observations have also suggested the formation of an ordered CoPt3 alloy at the interface between the Pt/Co ultrathin bilayers grown epitaxially on Pt(111) surfaces. Auger and photoelectron spectroscopy experiments on the Pt/Co/Pt(111) system have confirmed a limited interdiffusion or interfacial alloying below the Pt overlayer leading to an induced magnetic moment on the Pt atoms. The Pt/Co interface exhibits electronic interface states of mainly Pt-5d character. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations have provided the first direct experimental evidence for composition modulation across successive layers in a Pt/Co nanometer-multilayered structure prepared by electrodeposition.