Exploration of CO movement characteristics on rutile TiO2(110) surface

Abstract

The adsorption and two-dimensional movement of CO molecules on the rutile TiO2(110) surface were investigated using atomic force microscopy at 78 K. We found that the stability of the CO molecule was affected around Oad. The CO molecule was unstable under short-range force and became stable, pinning it around Oad. The oxygen-terminated tip apex was used to surmount the force threshold of CO molecules to enable two-dimensional movement on the substrate, which can be achieved by short-range force. The CO adsorption and movement properties can be used for the catalytic design of CO oxide-based metal-semiconductor substrates.