Self-ordered electrochemical growth on single-crystal electrode surfaces

This paper is a brief review of self-ordered electrochemical growth on single-crystal electrode surfaces on which arrays of nanostructures are created by replication of patterns made by atomic steps or surface reconstruction. Whenever possible the parallel is made between electrochemical growth and molecular beam epitaxy in ultrahigh vacuum. An atomistic view of electrodeposition is given first to help with identifying the similarities of and specific differences between the two techniques of growth. Recent examples where self-organized nanostructures are prepared on metals and silicon substrates are discussed.