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Published on: April 27, 2018
Sn/Pt(110) bimetallic surfaces: formation and oxygen adsorption.
1Charles University, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Surface and Plasma Science, Prague, Czech Republic. tsud@mbox.troja.mff.cuni.cz
Summary
This study on tin (Sn) on platinum (Pt) surfaces reveals that tin oxide formation upon oxygen exposure is primarily influenced by the tin concentration in the subsurface layer, not the surface structure.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Understanding the behavior of thin films on metal surfaces is crucial for developing new catalytic materials.
- Tin (Sn) on platinum (Pt) surfaces exhibits complex structural and chemical properties.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the role of subsurface tin in oxygen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the surface structures formed by submonolayer tin on a Pt(110) surface.
- To characterize the chemical reactivity of these tin/platinum surfaces upon oxygen exposure.
- To determine the factors influencing oxygen adsorption and tin oxide formation.
Main Methods:
- Photoemission spectroscopy
- Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED)
- Controlled deposition and annealing of tin on Pt(110)
- Exposure to oxygen
Main Results:
- A c(2 × 2) surface reconstruction was observed at low tin coverage (<0.6 ML) at 300 K.
- A new (4 × 1) Sn/Pt(110) surface structure formed after annealing, with subsurface tin diffusion.
- Tin oxide formation was observed upon oxygen exposure, with reactivity primarily dependent on subsurface tin concentration.
Conclusions:
- The Sn/Pt(110) system forms distinct surface structures with subsurface intermetallic phases.
- Oxygen adsorption and subsequent tin oxide formation are significantly controlled by the tin concentration within the interface intermetallic layer.
- Surface structure and subsurface composition play key roles in the chemical reactivity of Sn/Pt surfaces.
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