Humphrey_2019_Nanotechnology_30_025303.pdf (3.1 MB)
Electron induced nanoscale engineering of rutile TiO2 surfaces
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 ThorntonElectron 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.
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NanotechnologyISSN
0957-4484Publisher
IOP PublishingExternal DOI
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2Volume
30Page range
025303 1Department affiliated with
- Chemistry Publications
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- Yes
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- Yes
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2018-11-12First Open Access (FOA) Date
2018-11-12First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-11-09Usage metrics
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