MORPHOLOGY OF PLATINUM CLUSTERS BETWEEN GRAPHITE WALLS

We report molecular dynamics simulations results for platinum atoms confined between two parallel graphite surfaces. The structural and thermodynamic properties of the platinum atoms are studied using gap widths in the range of 9 to 20 sigma(pp). The results show that a small gap width will enhance the tendency of Pt atoms to form a single cluster or clusters with a well defined layered structure. For gap widths below 11.0 sigma(pp) the number of Pt layers increases with the gap width and the energies of the system are affected accordingly. The Pt atoms are arranged in a FCC crystal structure with either the (110) or (111) faces exposed.