Reactivity of ozone with solid potassium iodide investigated by atomic force microscopy

The reaction of ozone with the (100) plane of solid potassium iodide (KI) was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The reaction forming potassium iodate (KIO3) initiates at step edges prior to reacting on the flat terraces. Small domains of KIO3, initially 3.8 angstrom in height, are formed on the top of step edges. Following reaction at the step edge, domains of KIO3 are formed across the terraces. With prolonged exposure to ozone, KIO3 domains nucleate further growth until the surface is evenly covered with KIO3 particles that are 4-6 nm in height, at which point the surface is passivated and the reaction terminates.