Formation of two-dimensional graphite islands on the Pt(110)(1x2) surface

The formation of thin carbon overlayers at temperatures above 600 degrees C has been studied on the Pt(110)(1 X 2) surface by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), PES and Low-Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED). Their graphitic character is evidenced through the binding energy of the Cls core-level, the LEED pattern observed and the atomic structure resolved on the islands. The orientation of the graphite layers is determined to be C < 1010 > parallel to the Pt[110] direction. Their thickness and the nature of the substrate are discussed below. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.