STEM and EDS analyses of nanometer-thick Ir-rich layers at the surface in Sr2IrO4, easily identified by EDS mapping. The STEM images also show that the Ir-rich surface layers after leaching of the alkaline-earth metals are amorphous. Notably, rapid alkaline-earth leaching is observed in all of the iridates in Sr2IrO4, subsequently revealing the size reduction of particles, Reproduced with permission.[32]Copyright 2012, Royal Society of Chemistry
