In-situ transmission electron microscopy studies of the initial oxidation stage of Cu(001)

We have examined the initial nucleation stage of Cu₂0 on Cu(001) due to oxidation in an in-situ UHV-TEM. Rapid nucleation followed by only growth of epitaxial Cu₂0 islands was observed, which is indicative of a surface-limited reaction. Modeling of the nucleation behavior using the heteroepitaxial concept of a zone of oxygen capture showed good agreement with the experimental data. No preferential nucleation sites were observed.