The Relativistic Effect Brings Significant Results on Characteristic Properties of Platinum Surfaces

Abstract

Reconstruction on open surfaces of Ir, Pt and Au, i.e. (001) and (110) surfaces of fcc metals, is caused by the relativistic effect through increase of the d-hole density of the valence state. The reconstruction of Pt(001) and Pt(110) surfaces is lifted by adsorption of CO and NO molecules and its lifting is caused by reduction of the d-hole density due to donation of lone-pair electrons of these molecules. Although oscillation in the reaction rate of CO oxidation and fantastic two-dimensional images corresponding to various oscillation patterns on Pt(001) and Pt(110) surfaces were observed by Ertl's group, these phenomena can be explained by the change of the d-hole density enhanced by the relativistic effect. Finally, laser-induced desortion of NO from Pt(111) and Pt(111)-Ge surface alloy is also discussed using the relativistic effect.