Surface reconstructions of TiO2(110) driven by suboxides

Significantly enhanced superconductivity in monolayer FeSe films on SrTiO3(001) via metallic δ-doping

Superconductivity transition temperature (Tc) marks the inception of a macroscopic quantum phase-coherent paired state in fermionic systems. For 2D superconductivity, the paired electrons condense into a coherent superfluid state at Tc, which is usually lower than the pairing temperature, between which intrinsic physics including Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition and pseudogap state are hotly debated. In the case of monolayer FeSe superconducting films on SrTiO3(001), although the pairing temperature (Tp) is revealed to be 65-83 K by using spectroscopy characterization, the measured zero-resistance temperature ([Formula: see text]) is limited to 20 K. Here, we report significantly enhanced superconductivity in monolayer FeSe films by δ-doping of Eu or Al on SrTiO3(001) surface, in which [Formula: see text] is enhanced by 12 K with a narrowed transition width ΔTc ∼ 8 K, compared with non-doped samples. Using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy measurements, we demonstrate lowered work function of the δ-doped SrTiO3(001) surface and enlarged superconducting gaps in the monolayer FeSe with improved morphology/electronic homogeneity. Our work provides a practical route to enhance 2D superconductivity by using interface engineering.

Direct in-situ insights into the asymmetric surface reconstruction of rutile TiO2 (110)

The reconstruction of rutile TiO2 (110) holds significant importance as it profoundly influences the surface chemistry and catalytic properties of this widely used material in various applications, from photocatalysis to solar energy conversion. Here, we directly observe the asymmetric surface reconstruction of rutile TiO2 (110)-(1×2) with atomic-resolution using in situ spherical aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. Density functional theory calculations were employed to complement the experimental observations. Our findings highlight the pivotal role played by repulsive electrostatic interaction among the small polarons -formed by excess electrons following the removal of neutral oxygen atoms- and the subsequent surface relaxations induced by these polarons. The emergence and disappearance of these asymmetric structures can be controlled by adjusting the oxygen partial pressure. This research provides a deeper understanding, prediction, and manipulation of the surface reconstructions of rutile TiO2 (110), holding implications for a diverse range of applications and technological advancements involving rutile-based materials.

The role of surface reduction in the formation of Ti interstitials

Density functional theory simulations are used to investigate the formation and mobility of Ti interstitial ions, Ti_i, at the (110) surface of rutile TiO₂.

Anatase (101)-like Structural Model Revealed for Metastable Rutile TiO2(011) Surface

Titanium dioxide has been widely used as an efficient transition metal oxide photocatalyst. However, its photocatalytic activity is limited to the ultraviolet spectrum range due to the large bandgap beyond 3 eV. Efforts to reduce the bandgap to achieve a broader spectrum range of light absorption have been successfully attempted via the experimental synthesis of dopant-free metastable surface structures of rutile-type TiO₂ (011) 2 × 1. This new surface phase possesses a reduced bandgap of ∼2.1 eV, showing great potential for an excellent photocatalyst covering a wide range of visible light. There is a need to establish the atomistic structure of this metastable surface to understand the physical cause for the bandgap reduction and to improve the future design of photocatalysts. Here, we report computational investigations in an effort to unravel this surface structure via swarm structure-searching simulations. The established structure adopts the anatase (101)-like structure model, where the topmost 2-fold O atoms form a quasi-hexagonal surface pattern and bond with the unsaturated 5-fold and 4-fold Ti atoms in the next layer. The predicted anatase (101)-like surface model can naturally explain the experimental observation of the STM images, the electronic bandgap, and the oxidation state of Ti⁴⁺. Dangling bonds on the anatase (101)-like surface are abundant making it a superior photocatalyst. First-principles molecular dynamics simulations have supported the high photocatalytic activity by showing that water and formic acid molecules dissociate spontaneously on the anatase (101)-like surface.

Rutile TiO2(011)-2 × 1 Reconstructed Surfaces with Optical Absorption over the Visible Light Spectrum

The stable structures of the reconstructed rutile TiO₂(011) surface are explored based on an evolutionary method. In addition to the well-known "brookite(001)-like" 2 × 1 reconstruction model, three 2 × 1 reconstruction structures are revealed for the first time, all being more stable in the high Ti-rich condition. Importantly, the predicted Ti₄O₄-2 × 1 surface model not only is in excellent agreement with the reconstructed metastable surface detected by Tao et al. [Nat. Chem. 3, 296 (2011)] from their STM experiment but also gives a consistent formation mechanism and electronic structures with the measured surface. The computed imaginary part of the dielectric function suggests that the newly predicted reconstructed surfaces are capable of optical absorption over the entire visible light spectrum, thereby offering high potential for photocatalytic applications.

Interplay between Steps and Oxygen Vacancies on Curved TiO2(110)

A vicinal rutile TiO2(110) crystal with a smooth variation of atomic steps parallel to the [1-10] direction was analyzed locally with STM and ARPES. The step edge morphology changes across the samples, from [1-11] zigzag faceting to straight [1-10] steps. A step-bunching phase is attributed to an optimal (110) terrace width, where all bridge-bonded O atom vacancies (Obr vacs) vanish. The [1-10] steps terminate with a pair of 2-fold coordinated O atoms, which give rise to bright, triangular protrusions (St) in STM. The intensity of the Ti 3d-derived gap state correlates with the sum of Obr vacs plus St protrusions at steps, suggesting that both Obr vacs and steps contribute a similar effective charge to sample doping. The binding energy of the gap state shifts when going from the flat (110) surface toward densely stepped planes, pointing to differences in the Ti(3+) polaron near steps and at terraces.

Metalation of tetraphenylporphyrin with nickel on a TiO2(110)-1 × 2 surface

The in situ metalation of tetraphenylporphyrin (2HTPP) with Ni on the reconstructed TiO2(110)-1 × 2 surface, resulting in the formation of adsorbed nickel(II)-tetraphenylporphyrin (NiTPP), has been investigated by synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy (SRPES), scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and ab initio Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The metalation can be realized at room temperature irrespective of the deposition order of Ni and 2HTPP, which however leads to different metalation degrees. Increasing the substrate temperature or Ni : 2HTPP ratio results in higher metalation degree, which ultimately reaches its limit at ∼85% (Ni : 2HTPP = 3 : 1) and ∼49% (Ni : 2HTPP = 1 : 1) for post- and pre-deposition of Ni, respectively. The reaction from 2HTPP to NiTPP is accompanied by changes of the molecular adsorption conformation and the adsorption site from a tilted two-lobed feature on added Ti2O3 rows to a four-lobed feature on top of troughs or cross-links of the TiO2(110)-1 × 2 surface. This interpretation of the STM data is supported by DFT-based STM simulations.

Understanding and removing surface states limiting charge transport in TiO2 nanowire arrays for enhanced optoelectronic device performance

An effective wet-chemistry approach is demonstrated to minimize the trap states that limit electron transport in rutile TiO2 nanowire arrays, this leads to an over 20-fold enhancement in the electron diffusion coefficient.

Charge transport within electrode materials plays a key role in determining the optoelectronic device performance. Aligned single-crystal TiO₂ nanowire arrays offer an ideal electron transport path and are expected to have higher electron mobility. Unfortunately, their transport is found not to be superior to that in nanoparticle films. Here we show that the low electron transport in rutile TiO₂ nanowires is mainly caused by surface traps in relatively deep energy levels, which cannot be removed by conventional approaches, such as oxygen annealing treatment. Moreover, we demonstrate an effective wet-chemistry approach to minimize these trap states, leading to over 20-fold enhancement in electron diffusion coefficient and 62% improvement in solar cell performance. On the basis of our results, the potential of TiO₂ NWs can be developed and well-utilized, which is significantly important for their practical applications.

New reconstructions of the (110) surface of rutile TiO2 predicted by an evolutionary method

Reconstructions of the (110) surface of rutile TiO2 (the dominant surface of this important mineral and catalyst) are investigated using the evolutionary approach, resolving previous controversies. Depending on thermodynamic conditions, four different stable reconstructions are observed for this surface. We confirm the recently proposed "Ti2O3-(1×2)" and "Ti2O-(1×2)" reconstructions and predict two new reconstructions "Ti3O2-(1×2)" and "Ti3O3-(2×1)," which match experimental results. Furthermore, we find that surface electronic states are sensitive to reconstructions and, therefore, depend on thermodynamic conditions.

Anatase nanoparticle surface reactivity in NaCl media: a CD-MUSIC model interpretation of combined experimental and density functional theory studies

The effect of particle size on the primary charging behavior of a suite of monodisperse nanometer diameter (4, 20, and 40 nm) anatase samples has been quantitatively examined with macroscopic experimental studies. The experimental results were evaluated using surface complexation modeling, which explicitly incorporated corresponding molecular-scale information from density functional theory (DFT) simulation studies. Potentiometric titrations were completed in NaCl media, at five ionic strengths (from 0.005 to 0.3 m), and over a wide pH range (3-11), at a temperature of 25 °C. From the experimental results, the pH of zero net proton charge (pHznpc) for the 4 and 20 nm diameter samples was 6.42, whereas the pHznpc was 6.22 for the 40 nm sample. The slopes of the net proton charge curves increased with an increase in particle size. Multisite surface complexation and charge distribution (CD) models, with a Basic Stern layer description of the electric double layer, were developed to describe all experimental data. Fits to the experimental data included an inner-sphere Na-bidentate species, an outer-sphere Na-monodentate species, and outer-sphere Cl-monodentate species. DFT simulations found the Na-bidentate species to be the most stable species on the (101) anatase surface (the predominant crystal face). The CD value for the Na-bidentate species was calculated using a bond valence interpretation of the DFT-optimized geometry. The Stern layer capacitance value varied systematically with particle size. The collective experimental and modeling studies show that subtle differences exist in the interface reactivity of nanometer diameter anatase samples. These results should help to further elucidate an understanding of the solid-aqueous solution interface reactivity of nanosized particles.

Direct oxygen imaging in titania nanocrystals

Recently, rutile nanotwins were synthesized using high temperature organic solvent methods, yielding two kinds of common high-quality rutile twinned nanocrystals, (101) and (301) twins, accompanied by minor rutile nanorods (Lu et al 2012 CrystEngComm 14 3120-4). In this report, the atomic structures of the rutile and anatase nanocrystals are directly resolved with no need for calculation or image simulation using atomic resolution STEM techniques. The locations of the oxygen rows in the rutile twins' boundaries are directly determined from both HAADF images and ABF images. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time oxygen columns have been distinguished in rutile twin boundaries using HAADF and BF imaging.

Evidence of Coulomb blockade behavior in a quasi-zero-dimensional quantum well on TiO2 surface

Line defects on the surface of rutile TiO(2)(110) form in pairs separated by 1.2 nm creating a quantum well. The well is effectively closed by the presence of two charged structures at both ends separated by a distance in the 10-20 nm range. As expected for quantum confinement a long period oscillatory feature of the local density of states is observed and attributed to the formation of discrete quantum states inside the system. It is at first glance surprising that the lowest energy quantum state of the well can be observed at room temperature. The properties of the quantum state cannot be explained in an independent-electron, band-like theory. Instead, electron-electron correlation must be included to give a satisfactory picture of the spatial distribution of the charge density. Theory predicts charging energies of 1.30 eV and 1.14 eV for quantum well lengths of 14 nm and 16 nm, respectively, in good agreement with a classical calculation and the size dependence of the capacitance. This observation opens up the possibility of experimentally imaging the transition from a Coulomb blockade localized in a zero-dimensional system to an independent-particle or band-like behavior in an extended one-dimensional system.

The role of Ti(3+) interstitials in TiO(2)(110) reduction and oxidation

Here we describe results which teach us much about the mechanism of the reduction and oxidation of TiO(2)(110) by the application of scanning tunnelling microscopy imaging at high temperatures. Titania reduces at high temperature by thermal oxygen loss to leave localized (i.e.  Ti(3+)) and delocalized electrons on the lattice Ti, and a reduced titania interstitial that diffuses into the bulk of the crystal. The interstitial titania can be recalled to the surface by treatment in very low pressures of oxygen, occurring at a significant rate even at 573 K. This re-oxidation occurs by re-growth of titania layers in a Volmer-Weber manner, by a repeating sequence in which in-growth of extra titania within the cross-linked (1 × 2) structure completes the (1 × 1) bulk termination. The next layer then initiates with the nucleation of points and strings which extend to form islands of cross-linked (1 × 2), which once again grow and fill in to reform the (1 × 1). This process continues in a cyclical manner to form many new layers of well-ordered titania. The details of the mechanism and kinetics of the process are considered.

Structure and local-equilibrium thermodynamics of the c(2x2) reconstruction of rutile TiO2 (100)

We resolve the structure of a c(2x2) reconstruction of the rutile TiO2 (100) surface using a combination of transmission electron diffraction, direct methods analysis, and density functional theory. The surface structure contains an ordered array of subsurface oxygen vacancies and is in local thermodynamic equilibrium with bulk TiO2, but not the with oxygen gas-phase environment. The transition into a bulklike (1x1) reconstruction offers insights into the time-dependent local thermodynamics of TiO2 surface reconstruction under global nonequilibrium conditions.

Preparation of TiO2(110)-(1x1) surface via UHV cleavage: an scanning tunneling microscopy study

TiO2(110) surface was successfully prepared in situ by UHV cleaving of a commercial TiO2 crystal. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging revealed atomically flat more than 1 mum wide terraces with (110) orientation separated by steps running in [001] direction, with very low kink density. Atomically resolved STM images show periodicity in the [001] and [110] directions with the unit cell parameters measured to approximately 3 and 6.5 A, respectively, which are closed to the expected values of bulk terminated (1 x 1) surface.

Surface Structures of Rutile TiO2 (011)

Surface structures of rutile TiO(2) (011) are determined by a combination of noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and density functional calculations. The surface exhibits rowlike (n x 1) structures running along the [01] direction. Microfaceting missing-row structural models can explain the experimental results very well. Calculated images for NC-AFM and STM are in good agreement with the experimental results. A decrease of the density of dangling bonds stabilizes the surface energy, which results in the microfaceting missing-row reconstructions.

Structure of adsorbed organometallic rhodium: model single atom catalysts

We have determined the structure of a complex rhodium carbonyl chloride [Rh(CO)2Cl] molecule adsorbed on the TiO2(110) surface by the normal incidence x-ray standing wave technique. The data show that the technique is applicable to reducible oxide systems and that the dominant adsorbed species is undissociated with Rh binding atop bridging oxygen and to the Cl found close to the fivefold coordinated Ti ions in the surface. A minority geminal dicarbonyl species, where Rh-Cl bond scission has occurred, is found bridging the bridging oxygen ions forming a high-symmetry site.