Figure 2From: Metal-assisted chemical etching of Ge(100) surfaces in water toward nanoscale patterningSchematic depiction of metal-induced pit formation in water. (a) Owing to the catalytic activity of metallic particles, electrons are transferred from the Ge bulk to water to reduce dissolved O2 to H2O molecules, which leads to an enhanced oxidation around the particles. (b) GeO2 dissolves in water, leaving (111) microfacets.Back to article page