Core-shell structure in self-assembled lead/lead-oxide nanoclusters revealed by photoelectron spectroscopy
Nanoclusters containing metallic lead and lead oxide have been produced by self-assembly out of a primary mixture of lead atoms and oxygen in a reactive sputtering-based cluster source. Comparison of the valence and core-level responses in the photoelectron spectra shows that clusters have a core-shell structure with a lead-oxide core coated by an outer shell of metallic lead. This core-shell orde