We study the robust dynamical behaviors of reaction-diffusion systems where the transport gives rise to non-Fickian diffusion. A prototype model describing the deposition of molecules in a surface is used to show the generic appearance of Turing structures which can coexist with homogeneous states giving rise to localized structures through the pinning mechanism. The characteristic lengths of these structures are in the nanometer region in agreement with recent experimental observations.

• Received 16 August 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.176102