Scanning tunneling microscopy investigation of the structure of methanethiolate on Ag(111)

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been used to investigate the structure of the ordered methanethiolate overlayer formed on Ag(111) by reaction at room temperature with dimethyl disulfide. High-resolution images show an ordered structure with three inequivalent atomic-scale protrusions within each ( radical7 x radical7)R19 degrees surface unit mesh which can be reconciled with methanethiolate species on a regular lateral submesh, similar to that proposed in the multilayer ( radical7 x radical7)R19 degrees -S sulfide phase previously reported. STM imaging during dynamic dosing also provides evidence for a significant change in the outermost layer Ag atom density, consistent with a reconstructed surface model. Possible models for this reconstruction are presented and discussed in the light of available information.