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Electron induced nanoscale engineering of rutile TiO2 surfaces

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Version 2 2023-06-12, 07:30
Version 1 2023-06-09, 15:51
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 07:30 authored by David S Humphrey, Chi L Pang, Qiao ChenQiao Chen, GEoff Thornton
Electron stimulated modifications of the rutile TiO2(110) surface have been investigated using scanning tunnelling microscopy tip pulses and electron beam irradiation. Tip pulses on the 'as-prepared' surface induce local surface reconstruction and removal of surface hydroxyls in a region around the reconstruction. A defocused beam from an electron gun as well as tip pulses have been used to generate a number of oxygen deficient surfaces. All tip pulse features display an oval profile, which can be attributed to the anisotropic conductivity of the TiO2(110) surface. A novel oxygen deficient phase with well-ordered defective 'nano-cracks' has been identified, which can be produced by either electron beam irradiation or low flash anneal temperatures (~570 K). Annealing such surfaces to moderate temperatures (~850 K) leads to mixed 1 × 1 and 1 × 2 surfaces, until now only achievable by annealing in oxygen or ageing by repeated sputter/anneal cycles. Heating to normal preparation temperatures (1000 K) reforms the clean, well-ordered 1 × 1 surface termination. Our results demonstrate the potential of electron induced processes to modify the oxygen composition and structure of the TiO2(110) surface in a controllable and reversible way for selective surface patterning and surface reactivity modification.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Nanotechnology

ISSN

0957-4484

Publisher

IOP Publishing

Issue

2

Volume

30

Page range

025303 1

Department affiliated with

  • Chemistry Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-11-12

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-11-12

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-11-09

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