Probing water adsorption characteristics of Pt step-edge decorated CU (211) surface

Abstract

The surface structure and atomic composition can affect the adsorption characteristics of water on metal surfaces. In this study, we investigated the adsorption of water on Cu(211) stepped surfaces decorated with Pt by a combination of infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) and temperature -programmed desorption (TPD) studies. We have observed that step sites of Cu can increase the strength of the binding of water molecules to the surface and facilitate water partial dissociation and the formation of OH groups on the surface. Step decoration by Pt can change the water adsorption characteristics and eliminate the water dissociation. Water adsorbs molecularly on the fully Pt -decorated steps of the Cu(211) surface. Molecular water and OH adsorbed on Cu(211), which can make a chain structure, are disrupted with Pt atoms.