Evidence for an equilibrium epitaxial complexion at the Au-MgAl2O4 interface

Evidence for the existence of an equilibrium epitaxial complexion at the Au-MgAl2O4 interface has been observed. The growth of crystalline MgAl2O4 nanostructures, from a previously stable substrate in the presence of an Au overlayer and heat, is associated with this complexion. Prior to the nanostructures' self-assembly, Au nanoparticles crystalize, then reorient to align with the MgAl2O4 substrate. The presented results contradict earlier conclusions based solely on SEM studies of the final assembled nanostructures. Those results suggested that the MgAl2O4 grown pedestal and associated Au nanoparticle atop were both gold.