Single-component surface in binary self-assembled NaK nanoalloy clusters

In English Free metallic nanoalloy clusters created in a self-assembling process out of sodium and potassium mixed vapor have been studied by synchrotron-based photoelectron spectroscopy. The clusters are shown to consist of an alloy core surrounded by a surface layer containing only K in a range of conditions from K-rich to Na-rich nanoalloys. The size of the clusters as well as the fraction of the elements has been estimated from the spectra using our results on pure clusters. The mechanism behind the observed structure is discussed in terms of the total cohesive-energy minimization.