The dynamic behavior of steps on TiO2(110) was studied during the transformation from the (1x1) to the (1x2) surface. It was found that two types of steps dominate through the process: the steps run along the [110] direction (A-type) and the one parallel to the [110](B-type). The stoichiometric (1x1) surface contained mostly A-steps. Reducing of this surface caused nearly half of the A-steps to be gradually converted to the B-steps. The evolving of the step structure was accompanied by the growth of the reconstructed (1x2) domains initiated at the B-step edges. On the (1x2) domains, approximately equal length of A- and B-steps were identified. The results shed light on the step structure and correlation between the step energetics and suface phase transformations on the TiO2(110) surface.
Revised: April 23, 2001 |
Published: March 14, 2001
Citation
Gan S., Y. Liang, and D.R. Baer. 2001.The interplay between step anisotropy and surface phase transformation on TiO2(110).Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter 63, no. 12:1401.PNNL-SA-33388.