title: Dynamic behavior of nickel atoms in graphitic networks
abstract: The dynamic behavior of nickel atoms in graphitic carbon onions, observed by in situ atomic-resolution electron microscopy, shows the formation of stable new C-Ni phases. Nickel is observed to take substitutional in-plane positions in graphene layers, forming a planar graphitelike C-Ni lattice. Evidence is furthermore seen for the formation of a cubic C-Ni phase, suggesting a possible phase transformation in C-Ni from a graphitelike to a diamondlike structure. The stability of the planar phases is shown by first-principles calculations which also indicate that the C-Ni planes are metallic.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut fur Metallforschung, Heisenbergstrasse 1, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany and Universite Catholique de Louvain, Unite PCPM, Place Croix du Sud 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium and Materials Science & Engineering Department, Re.
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Banhart
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Charlier
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Ajayan