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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics
Published on: April 12, 2019
Transient hydroxyl formation from water on oxygen-covered Au(111)
R G Quiller1, T A Baker, X Deng
1School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford St., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Transient hydroxyls form from water reacting with atomic oxygen on gold surfaces. This discovery is crucial for understanding oxidative reactions, especially with water vapor present.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Understanding water-oxygen interactions on metal surfaces is key for catalysis and materials stability.
- The role of transient species in surface reactions remains an active area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation of hydroxyls from water and atomic oxygen on Au(111).
- To examine the influence of adsorbed oxygen on water's hydrogen bonding and surface behavior.
- To elucidate the role of transient hydroxyl species in surface reactions.
Main Methods:
- Temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS) to study water desorption.
- Isotopic exchange experiments using H(2)(18)O to track oxygen incorporation.
- Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) to identify surface species.
- Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to assess surface structure and water crystallinity.
Main Results:
- Evidence for transient hydroxyl (OH) formation from water and atomic oxygen on Au(111).
- Water desorption peaks at 175 K (multilayer sublimation) and 195 K (oxygen-stabilized water/water-hydroxyl complex).
- Significant oxygen isotopic exchange (up to 70%) indicates transient OH formation and disproportionation.
- Chemisorbed oxygen, not gold oxide, is critical for hydroxyl formation and water stabilization.
Conclusions:
- Transient hydroxyls are formed and react rapidly on Au(111) in the presence of atomic oxygen.
- These short-lived species play a significant role in surface chemistry, particularly in oxidative reactions with water vapor.
- Surface oxidation profoundly impacts the interaction of interfaces with water.
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