A high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study on the adsorption and reaction of ethylene on Rh(111)

The adsorption and thermal evolution of ethylene on Rh(1 1 1) were investigated by state-of-the-art surface science techniques. Synchrotron radiation-based high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature-programmed XPS allowed for the examination of the adsorption process and the reaction pathway of ethylene on Rh(1 1 1). At 140 K, ethylene adsorbs molecularly in a symmetrical geometry. The reaction intermediates formed upon heating were identified by the vibrational fine structure of XPS. At approximately 200 K, ethylidyne emerges, as expected from literature. Above 350 K, we observe the evolution of methylidyne. Simultaneously, decomposition to carbides sets in, which is completed at ~ 460 K.

Automated summary

The adsorption and thermal evolution of ethylene on Rh(1 1 1) surface were studied using advanced surface science techniques. The research revealed that ethylene initially adsorbs molecularly at 140 K in a symmetrical geometry, and upon heating, ethylidyne and methylidyne are formed, along with decomposition to carbides.