Formic acid oxidation on Cu(110) surfaces as studied by STM: Reaction trends and surface structure

Scanning tunneling microscopy has been used to study surface structures created by exposing Cu(110)-(2 x 1)-O surfaces to formic acid. These studies demonstrate that the corresponding reaction tends to proceed along the Cu-O rows. Images of the (2 x 1)-O structures appear to show relaxations at the ends of the rows, and in some cases local reconstructions. These structures may explain the enhanced reactivity of the ends. Structures with (4 x 1), (3 x 1), c(2 x 2) and c(2 x 2) periodicities have been observed. On the basis of the STM images obtained, models are proposed for these structures. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.