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 …