PNNL

Abstract

The interaction of Fe0 atoms with D2O layers on FeO(111) has been investigated using the “atom dropping” preparation technique and a combination of temperature programmed desorption, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and infrared absorption spectroscopy. The data demonstrate that isolated Fe atoms form DFeOD insertion species upon deposition at 35 K, which then dissociate into FeOD and a surface hydroxyl above 200 K. Interestingly, even at very low Fe0 coverages the D2O is perturbed by the presence of the Fe, but only D2O desorption is observed. At higher (= 0.5 ML) coverages, clusters of Fe form which have molecular D2O and OD species adsorbed on the surface. Both molecular and recombinative desorption are observed in TPD. In contrast to the low coverage data, a second reaction pathway emerges at high coverage which leads to desorption of D2 and the formation of stable substoichiometric oxide. The mechanism for this minor channel is concluded to involve a reaction between two (or more) DFeOD complexes.