Autocatalytic effect of Cu nano-islands on the reaction of water with the oxygen covered Cu(110) surface

摘要: Abstract We present a detailed STM study on the reactivity to water of oxygen covered Cu(110) surface at 200 K. This reactive interaction is known produce hydroxyls. found that hydroxyl chemical state key factor regulating further reactions and causing strong re-structuring surface. Parts hydroxyls are originally produced in form highly mobile copper–hydroxyl [Cu–OH] complexes. demonstrate complexes with substrate governs restructuring. The can dissociate either step sites surface, incorporating Cu releasing (OHs) either, remarkably, condensate terraces shaping two-dimensional monoatomic height islands possessing under-coordinated their borders. show nucleation growth these nanometer scaled significantly enhance towards water. Indeed, providing adsorption furthermore local effect favoring diffusion molecules more sites.