Cerium Oxide Epitaxial Nanostructures on Pt(111): Growth, Morphology and Structure

Cerium oxide in combination with metals is a very important material for catalysis. We present an in-depth characterization of the growth and morphology of cerium oxide in the form of an inverse model catalyst on Pt(111). Using state of the art low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and microprobe low energy electron diffraction we provide a detailed in-situ insight into the nucleation and growth dynamics of this model system in different experimental conditions. By probing the unoccupied band structure of the sample during the growth process using intensity-voltage LEEM we also obtain information on the growth dynamics of the deposited ceria overlayer. The results represent an important basis in view of reactivity studies on well controlled ceria epitaxial systems.