Three-dimensional reconstruction and roughening of a Pt(110) surface was studied with the help of a qualitative Monte Carlo model. A distinct CO adsorption up-take on different surface phases was taken into account. The computations show that a “missing row” structure with defects relaxes to a more stable (111)-faceted structure. The CO+O2 reaction kinetics was modelled by a phenomenological equation with a cubic non-linearity reproducing a correct qualitative picture of oscillations. The surface roughening developing under the reaction conditions causes slow changes in catalytic activity of the surface. A nanoscale front between the 1 x 1 and 1 x 2 phases disintegrated due to repeated phase transitions caused by CO coverage oscillations. Defect formation and roughening dominated the dynamics of surface phase transitions. A one-dimensional extension of the model reproduced microscopic travelling waves on the CO diffusion scale.

Reconstruction and Roughening of a Catalytic Pt(110) Surface Coupled to Kinetic Oscillations. M.Monine, L.Pismen: Physical Review E, 2002, 66[5], 051601 (9pp)