The interaction of hydrogen and carbon monoxide with oxygen on Cu(110)-Fe surfaces

Abstract

The interaction of hydrogen and carbon monoxide with oxygen adsorbed on Cu(110)-Fe surfaces has been studied with ellipsometry, Auger electron spectroscopy and low energy electron diffraction. With carbon monoxide copper can be reduced completely and Fe0.95O partially. With a model which is only an extension of the scheme for the reduction of pure Cu(110) by CO, the reduction of Cu(110)-Fe can be simulated. The lateral orientation of Fe0.95O with respect to the copper matrix changes during repetitive oxidation-reduction cycles. At 725 K oxygen deficient iron oxide segregates to the surface. With hydrogen all oxygen can be removed.