Structure of unsupported antimony nanoclusters

In this study we present results of electron diffraction experiments on unsupported antimony nanoclusters with mean sizes in the range of 20-40 nm. An inert-gas aggregation source was used to produce the cluster beam. Electron diffraction patterns reveal phase transitions between crystalline and amorphous phases as well as particles composed of Sb4 tetramers. The diffraction results are correlated with electron microscope investigations of the morphology of films formed by deposition of the clusters.