Controlled growth of Co nanoparticle assembly on nanostructured template Al 2 O 3 ∕ Ni Al ( 100 )

Based on the systematic studies of the growth temperature, deposition rate, and annealing effects, the control of Co nanoparticle density, size, and alignment is demonstrated to be feasible on a nanostructured template Al 2 O 3 ∕ Ni Al ( 100 ) . At 140 - 170 K , a slow deposition rate ( 0.027 ML ∕ min ) promises both the linear alignment and the high particle density. 1.5 ML Co nanoparticle assembly sustains the density of ∼ 260 ∕ 10 4 nm 2 even after 800 - 1090 K annealing. This study also indicates the possibilities of the controlled growth for nanoparticles of different materials.