Small Particles and Thin Films of Metals on Ceramic Oxides

This paper is aimed at presenting some recent ideas and experimental results on characterization and properties of small particles and thin films of metals on oxide surfaces. Analysis is restricted to metallic films on well-defined surfaces, mainly monocrystalline surfaces and to ceramic oxides having a marked ionic character. The properties of metallic films obtained by chemical reduction of oxides and those of deposits are compared. Nucleation and growth modes are described. Interfacial properties are analysed in terms of size or thickness effect and in the general framework of the ceramic-metal bonding.