Nanofabrication of Small Copper Clusters on Gold(111) Electrodes by a Scanning Tunneling Microscope

The use of scanning tunneling microscopy in an electrochemical environment as a tool for the nanoscale modification of gold electrodes was demonstrated. Small copper clusters, typically two to four atomic layers in height, were precisely positioned on a gold(111) electrode by a process in which copper was first deposited onto the tip of the scanning tunneling microscope, which then acted as a reservoir from which copper could be transferred to the surface during an appropriate approach of the tip to the surface. Tip approach and position were controlled externally by a microprocessor unit, allowing the fabrication of various patterns, cluster arrays, and “conducting wires” in a very flexible and convenient manner.