The growth of voids in 8 to 20nm Pd layers, on alumina or silica substrates, was investigated by means of Auger electron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. By using the Brandon-Bradshaw model, based upon capillary forces, the Pd surface self-diffusion coefficient was determined at 583 to 823K. The mass transfer surface self-diffusion could be described by,

D (m2/s) = 1.1 x 10-7 exp[-97(kJ/mol)/RT]

I.Beszeda, E.G.Gontier-Moya, D.L.Beke: Surface Science, 2003, 547[1-2], 229-38