AN INVESTIGATION OF THE TEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF METAL-CLUSTERS ON ELECTRODE SURFACES

An in situ scanning tunneling microscope has been used to study the dynamics of electrode processes. The electrochemical oxidation of graphite and the dissolution of copper clusters from a polycrystalline gold surface are described as examples for such processes. It is also demonstrated that single platinum clusters exhibit a high mobility on graphite surfaces. The mobility is reduced when the platinum forms a network on the graphite surface. In addition, the use of the scanning tunneling microscope as a tool for nanomodifications on graphite surfaces is demonstrated. Holes and copper clusters of nanometer size were generated under in situ conditions using the tunneling tip.