Influence of boron doping on the dynamics of formation of Os metal nanoclusters on graphitic surfaces.

The fabrication of osmium nanoclusters from single atoms has been studied in real-time on B-doped and B-free graphitic surfaces. The dynamics of nucleation on both surfaces are identified, captured, and reported. The nucleation is ca. 2× faster on B-doped surface compared to the B-free surface (38 pm min-1versus 18 pm min-1), suggesting osmium-boron interactions within the nanomaterials.