Surface Structure and Relaxation at the Pt(110)/Electrolyte Interface

Abstract

In situ x-ray scattering studies of the Pt(110) electrode show that a stable $\left(1\times 2\right)$ reconstruction is present over a wide electrode potential range and that the topmost rows of Pt atoms are expanded into the electrolyte. Additional expansion occurs upon the potential-induced adsorption of hydroxyl or hydrogen atoms. The presence and stability of the $\left(1\times 2\right)$ reconstruction have an important influence on some of the surface reactions that can occur in electrolyte.