Continuous network structure of two-dimensional silica across a supporting metal step edge: An atomic scale study

The network structure of a silica bilayer film at monolayer-bilayer transition and across supporting metal step edge was studied the atomic scale by scanning tunneling microscopy. ring size distribution, ring-ring distances, height profiles are analyzed region. Density functional theory proposes two models to explain observed structure: pinning lower layer substrate carpetlike mode. results indicate continuous coverage edge.