Local atomic level and nano-scale structural changes which were associated with the charge-induced (1 x 3) reconstruction of (110) surfaces in alkali iodide electrolytes were studied by means of potentiodynamic scanning tunnelling microscopy. That is, scanning tunnelling microscopic images were obtained during electrode potential excursions during which surface transformations were triggered. In the case of a KI electrolyte, the usual so-called 3 missing-row (1 x 3) structure was generated by single Au atomic row segments which shifted across and along the [110] direction. However, in the case of CsI at least 2 spatially (and potentiodynamically) resolvable steps were observed which involved the intermediate local formation of so-called 1 missing-row (1 x 3) domains via the removal of one third of the upper-layer Au rows onto nearby terrace regions. Domains with (1 x 2) symmetry were also observed. Subsequent transformation into the final 3 missing-row (1 x 3) structure was achieved via the aggregation of displaced monatomic row segments.

X.Gao, M.J.Weaver: Surface Science Letters, 1994, 313[1-2], 775-82