In situ Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of Zinc-terminated ZnO(0001) Single Crystal Electrode in Solution

Abstract

In situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM) was used to examine the zinc-terminated ZnO(0001)-Zn surface in electrolyte solution. Atomically-flat terrace-step structures were consistently observed on the surface which was prepared by chemical etching in alkaline solutions. Steps observed on the surface were composed of bilayers with a step height of 0.26 nm. Atomic images obtained by in situ EC-STM revealed that the surface has a (1 × 1) structure with hexagonal lattice.