The stability and dynamics of Pt dimers on Pt (110)-(1 x 2) surface were studied by using fast-scanning variable-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy. The kinetics of the dissociation and association of dimers were deduced from a direct analysis of time-lapse scanning tunnelling microscopy movies. The estimated barriers disagreed with the results of ab initio calculations, and it was speculated that the discrepancies were due to trace amounts of gases, such as CO.

Energetics and Dynamics of Pt Dimers on Pt(110)-(1 x 2). T.R.Linderoth, S.Horch, L.Petersen, S.Helveg, M.Schønning, E.Lægsgard, I.Stensgaard, F.Besenbacher: Physical Review B, 2000, 61[4], R2448-51