Elsevier

Surface Science

Volume 715, January 2022, 121940
Surface Science

ZnO(101¯0) is unstable in moderate pressures of water

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susc.2021.121940Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • ZnO(101¯0) was investigated using in situ scanning tunneling microscopy.

  • ZnO(101¯0) roughens by formation of steps in roughly 1 mbar water.

  • (0001)- and (0001¯)-type steps are favored over (12¯10)-type steps.

  • Adsorbed OH and H2O were measured with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

  • Adsorbed OH and H2O are not directly correlated with the roughness.

Abstract

A ZnO(101¯0) single crystal was investigated using in situ scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In roughly 1 mbar water the surface roughens within minutes. Hereby, the formation of (0001)- or (0001¯)-type steps is favored over the formation of (12¯10)-type steps. The roughened surface is stable in ultra-high vacuum and does not exhibit a different amount of hydroxylation or adsorbed water compared to the as-prepared surface. The speed of the roughening is related to the total volume of water supplied to the surface rather than the water pressure.

Keywords

ZnO
Single crystal
Scanning tunneling microscopy
In situ
Methanol steam reforming
Water

Cited by (0)

This article is part of the “Young Investigator Special Issue 2021”. The CV of the first author can be found under link - https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0039602821001448-mmc2.docx.