We present a self-organised approach for the synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) arrays of supported nanoclusters. By oxidising NiAl surfaces vicinal to the (100) plane tilted along the crystallographic direction [010], we produced ordered thin films of theta-Al2O3 that exhibit uniform protrusion stripes propagating uniquely along direction [001] of the NiAl. These protrusions are preferential centres for nucleation of metal deposited from a vapour; the nanoclusters grown from such metal are aligned and form massive 1D cluster arrays along direction [001]. The arrays of Co nanoclusters exhibit a diameter as small as 3 nm and length exceeding a micrometer. The results imply prospective applications for which a patterned assembly of nanoclusters is desired. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
