Defect lines and two-domain structure of hexagonal boron nitride films on Ni(111)

The growth of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) on Ni(1 1 1) at submonolayer coverages results in triangular islands with two different orientations. In combining X-ray photoelectron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy it is demonstrated that these two island types correspond to fcc and hcp domains of h-BN/Ni(1 1 1). The domain boundaries appear as defect lines that are also present in complete h-BN monolayers. Based on the experimental data, structural models for the two domains and the defect lines are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.