In situ x-ray scattering studies of the Au(111)/electrolyte interface

The adsorption of anions at the Au(111) electrode and the subsequent effect on the gold surface structure have been investigated using x-ray specular reflectivity and grazing incident angle diffraction techniques. The top layer of gold atoms undergoes a reversible phase transition between the (1x1) bulk termination and a (23x√ bar 3) reconstructed phase on changing the potential. The shifts of the phase transition potential in NaCland NaBr solutions from the one in NaF can be understood by the anion adsorption induced charge effect. The reconstruction formation rate increases in chloride and bromide solutions due to an increase in the surface mobility with anion adsorption. Adsorbed chloride and bromide monolayers can be monitored during a potential scan by the specular reflectivity