The work in this thesis demonstrates how to obtain an atomic-scale picture of a diverse set of complex surface structures observed using STM, under disparate conditions. Chapters 4−6 each represent... Show moreThe work in this thesis demonstrates how to obtain an atomic-scale picture of a diverse set of complex surface structures observed using STM, under disparate conditions. Chapters 4−6 each represent a different approach to answer the same question: How can we find out what a surface looks like at the atomic scale? By employing appropriate theoretical tools that complement the experimental conditions and measurement techniques, it is possible to compare the results from theory and experiment in an intuitive manner to obtain additional insights. Additionally, Chapter 4 shows that theoretical studies, which do not take experimental conditions into account appropriately, can lead to wrong conclusions. Show less
This thesis describes the construction of a second generation high-pressure, high-temperature scanning tunneling microscope, the ReactorSTM, with which the surfaces of catalysts can be studied... Show moreThis thesis describes the construction of a second generation high-pressure, high-temperature scanning tunneling microscope, the ReactorSTM, with which the surfaces of catalysts can be studied under relevant reaction conditions. Furthermore, the thesis describes three separate catalytic systems at ~ 1 bar, and elevated temperatures. Firstly, NO reduction on Pt(100), in which a mathematical model for the reaction mechanism, following Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics, is proposed. Secondly, CO oxidation, in which the Pt(110) surface is atomically resolved at high p, T. Thirdly, the thesis describes a successful pilot experiment about the hydrodesulphurization of thiophene, which is catalytically activated by molybdenum disulphide nano-crystallites on an Au(111) support. Show less
