Structure of rutile TiO2 (110)-(1 x 2): formation of Ti2O3 quasi-1D metallic chains.
Combining STM, LEED, and density functional theory, we determine the atomic surface structure of rutile TiO2 (110)-(1 x 2): nonstoichiometric Ti2O3 stripes along the [001] direction. LEED patterns are sharp and free of streaks, while STM images show monatomic steps, wide terraces, and no cross-links. At room temperature, atoms in the Ti2O3 group have large amplitudes of vibration. The long quasi-1D chains display metallic character, show no interaction between them, and cannot couple to bulk or surface states in the gap region, forming good atomic wires.
Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales (CSIC), Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
M
M
Blanco-Rey
J
J
Abad
C
C
Rogero
J
J
Mendez
M F
MF
Lopez
J A
JA
Martin-Gago
P L
PL
de Andres