Quenched growth of nanostructured lead thin films on insulating substrates

TL;DR

This study investigates the formation and properties of nanostructured lead thin films on insulating substrates, using experimental measurements and a ballistic aggregation model to understand their growth and chemiresistive behavior.

Contribution

It introduces a new model for quenched growth of lead nanostructures based on ballistic aggregation theory, supported by experimental data.

Findings

Nanostructured lead films exhibit specific resistance behavior during growth.

Annealed films show distinct nanostructures observed via atomic force microscopy.

The proposed model explains the quenched growth mechanism and chemiresistive properties.

Abstract

Lead island films were obtained via vacuum vapor deposition on glass and ceramic substrates at 80 K. Electrical conductance was measured during vapor condensation and further annealing of the film up to room temperature. The resistance behavior during film formation and atomic force microscopy of annealed films were used as information sources about their structure. A model for the quenched growth, based on ballistic aggregation theory, was proposed. The nanostructure, responsible for chemiresistive properties of thin lead films and the mechanism of sensor response are discussed.