Structural Transformations of Zinc Oxide Layers on Pt(111)

The morphology of ultrathin zinc
oxide films grown on Pt(111) was
studied as a function of preparation and exposure conditions. The
results show that submonolayer films exhibit a large variety of structures
that may transform into each other depending on ambient conditions.
The transformations are accompanied by substantial mass transport
across the surface even at room temperature, indicating the presence
and high diffusivity of migrating ZnOx species. Comparison with other metal-supported ZnO films shows that
the metal substrate may play a role in such transformations. The structural
diversity of ultrathin ZnO may be responsible for the continuing controversy
over the role of ZnO in the catalytic performance of ZnO/metal systems.