Atomic structure of oxide surfaces in aqueous environment

Abstract

The structure of many oxide surfaces has been established with atomic precision owing to the tremendous progress in surface science in the last decades. Most analyses have been conducted under the pristine conditions of ultrahigh vacuum. In reality, surfaces are often exposed to humid air or immersed in aqueous solutions. The understanding of surface structure and properties is incomplete unless the surroundings are taken into account, and the response of a surface to its environment is ascertained. This chapter reviews recent studies of oxide surfaces in contact with ultrapure liquid water and aqueous solutions. The potentially misleading role of atmospheric impurities and a strategy for avoiding them are discussed. The chapter outlines perspectives and challenges for future research.