Chemisorption and fragmentation of C60 on Pt(111) and Ni(110)

The interaction between C60 and the Pt(111) surface has been studied by high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy, photoemission and Auger spectroscopy, and low-energy electron diffraction from 100 to 1150 K. C60 forms strong covalent bonds with Pt with very small charge transfer (<0.8 electrons/molecule from C60 to the substrate), has a low surface mobility, and decomposes at about 1050 K, leaving a multidomain graphitic surface layer. C60 decomposes also on Ni(110) at about 760 K, forming a carbidic carbon layer, which transforms into graphitic carbon at higher temperatures. Both surfaces act as a catalyst for the fragmentation process.