Defects and adsorbed molecules on the anatase titanium dioxide surface

Abstract

Anatase titanium dioxide is used as photocatalysts and transparent conducting electrodes. We have studied its (101) surface using simultaneous measurement of frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). We clarified, by comparing the AFM and STM data with first principles calculations, the type of typical defects as subsurface oxygen vacancies and surface hydroxyls, and adsorption configurations of water and pentacene molecules. We will also discuss the possible termination of the tip-apex.