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Identification of step atoms by high resolution core level spectroscopy
J Gustafson1, M Borg, A Mikkelsen
1Department of Synchrotron Radiation Research, Institute of Physics, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden.
Physical Review Letters
|August 9, 2003
Summary
High-resolution photoemission distinguishes surface atoms on vicinal Rhodium(111) surfaces. Oxygen adsorption preferentially occurs on step atoms, not terraces, identified by Rh 3d spectra fingerprints.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Vicinal surfaces offer unique atomic arrangements crucial for surface reactions.
- Understanding atom-specific behavior is key to controlling surface processes.
- Rhodium (Rh) is a vital catalyst, and its surface properties are extensively studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between various surface atom types on vicinal Rh(111) surfaces.
- To identify the specific adsorption sites of oxygen on these surfaces.
- To utilize core level spectroscopy for surface structure determination.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution core level photoemission spectroscopy.
- Analysis of Rh 3d core level binding energies.
- Characterization of vicinal Rh(111) surface structures.
Main Results:
- Distinct binding energy fingerprints for different surface atoms, including low-coordinated step atoms, were observed in Rh 3d spectra.
- Initial oxygen adsorption was localized to the step sites.
- Terrace sites showed minimal or no initial oxygen uptake.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution core level photoemission is a powerful tool for distinguishing surface atom types on vicinal surfaces.
- Oxygen adsorption on vicinal Rh(111) is predominantly step-directed.
- This finding has implications for understanding and designing catalytic processes on stepped metal surfaces.