Adsorption of Sulfur and Growth of Copper Sulfide on Cu(100) and Cu(110) in Alkaline Solution

Abstract

Adlayer structures of S on Cu(100) and Cu(110) were investigated by using in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in alkaline solution. On Cu(100), the adsorbed S formed a structure, whereas a c(2 × 8) structure was found on Cu(110). Both structures were stable in the double-layer potential region. At anodic potentials, Cu₂S was formed on both surfaces. On Cu(100), patches of islands with Cu₂S(100) surfaces were observed. On Cu(110), the surface was highly roughened as a result of the formation of Cu₂S.