Abstract
The adsorption of formic acid (HCOOH) on the Fe3O4(001) surface was studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), low-energy electron diffraction, and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). At room temperature, HCOOH dissociates to form formate (HCOO–) and hydroxyl groups, facilitated by the close proximity of undercoordinated Fe3+/O2– cation/anion pairs at the Fe3O4(001) surface. Bidentate formate species are observed in IRRAS, and their position on Fe–Fe bridge sites can be inferred from STM data. At 70 K, HCOOH is adsorbed both dissociatively and molecularly, suggesting two active sites for dissociation. Our study also demonstrates that IRRAS is possible on Fe3O4 single crystals with good sensitivity but that unusual peak shapes occur because the substrate is midway between a perfect conductor and a perfect dielectric.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
