Fig. 3: Proposed mechanisms for light-driven Au migration.
From: Extensive photochemical restructuring of molecule-metal surfaces under room light
a (\({{{{{\rm{I}}}}}}\)) Initial photo-induced plucking of Au atom from substrate which is lifted into a diffusive layer within the SAM. (\({{{{{\rm{II}}}}}}\)) Collisions between Au atoms increase probability for their levitation on top of the SAM where mobility is low. (\({{{{{\rm{III}}}}}}\)) Further Au atoms colliding with this nucleus grow the nanocap, with morphology set by surface wetting. b Collection area feeding growth of each nanocap, extracted from Voronoi image analysis to define formation area. Yellow arrows indicate movement of Au atoms, grey areas represent nanocap formation.
