Scanning tunneling microscopy investigation of the TiO2 anatase (101) surface

We report the first scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) study of single-crystalline anatase. Atomically resolved images of the (101) surface are consistent with a bulk-truncated (1x1) termination. Step edges run predominantly in the [010], [(1) over bar 11], and [(1) over bar(1) over bar1] directions. The surface is stable with very few point defects. Fourfold-coordinated Ti atoms at step edges are preferred adsorption sites and allow the identification of tunneling sites in STM.