K-stabilized high-oxygen-coverage states on Rh(110): a low-pressure pathway to formation of surface oxide.
Using scanning tunneling microscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we studied the evolution of the structure and chemical state of a Rh(110) surface, modified by K adlayers and exposed to high O2 doses at elevated temperatures. We find that oxygen coadsorption on the K-covered Rh(110) leads to massive reconstruction of the Rh(110) surface. Stable reconstructed (10 x 2) and (8 x 2) segmented phases with a local coverage of more than two oxygen atoms per surface Rh atom were observed. Formation of surface oxide, which coexists with the (10 x 2) and (8 x 2) segmented adsorption phases, is evidenced at the highest O2 doses. The development of strongly reconstructed adsorption phases with oxide-like stoichiometry and surface oxide under UHV conditions is explained in terms of the stabilization of the (1 x 2) reconstruction and promotion of O2 dissociation by the K adatoms.
Günther
Sebastian
S
Department Chemie, Ludwig-Maximilians Universtät München, Butenandtstrasse 11 Haus E, 81377 München, Germany. sebastian.gunther@elettra.trieste.it
Esch
Friedrich
F
del Turco
Marco
M
Africh
Cristina
C
Comelli
Govanni
G
Kiskinova
Maya
M