Preparation and characterization of nanometre-size InSb particles

The alloying behaviour of antimony molecules Sb-4 into nanometre size indiu m clusters deposited on amorphous carbon has been studied by transmission e lectron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction for morphological and structural characterizations, and by energy dispersive X-ray spectrosc opy for analysis of composition. First, large indium clusters containing ab out 1700 atoms (mean diameter = 4.4 nm) formed by the gas aggregation techn ique in a thermal source are deposited on amorphous carbon. Nucleation and growth mechanisms lead to the formation of indium particles randomly disper sed on the substrate. Then antimony molecules evaporated at various thickne sses are deposited on to the indium aggregates. These two successive deposi tions have been performed at room temperature. A dissolution of antimony at oms into the indium particles takes place and InSb compound is successfully formed. InSb particles as produced have the zinc-blende structure (sphaler ite type) which is the structure of the equilibrium phase of the bulk. In t his work, InSb alloy formation is investigated versus mean antimony:indium ratio.