Influence of Triton X-100 on the Reconstruction of Au(111) in Chloride Solution

Abstract

The influence of the surfactant Triton X-100 (T-X-100) on the reconstruction process of Au(111) single crystal electrode surface in chloride media was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and double potential step chronoamperometry. Adsorption of T-X-100 stabilizes the reconstructed face of Au(111). In the presence of T-X-100 both the potential-induced formation of the reconstructed face as well as the reconstruction lifting process are slowed down, especially the (1×1) transformation. The effects are explained in terms of surface diffusion of gold atoms. Increasing concentrations of chloride ions enhance the inhibition effects of T-X-100 by changing the structure of adsorbed T-X-100.