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

Author(s):
Wenzel, S. (0000-0002-2346-6669); Groot, I.M.N. (0000-0001-9747-3522)
Published
2022
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

Abstract

A ZnO(10 (1) over bar0) 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 (000 (1) over bar)-type steps is favored over the formation of (1 (2) over bar 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.

Date issued
2022-01-01
Language
English
Publisher
ELSEVIER
Is part of
SURF SCI
hdl
1887/3247102
doi
10.1016/j.susc.2021.121940