Behavior of benzene on Zr(0 0 0 1): effect of electron bombardment on benzene desorption profiles

We investigate the interaction of benzene (C6H6) with Zr(0 0 0 1) and the effects of 500 eV electron bombardment. Two desorption states are resolved above 700 K in temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments. Electron bombardment has no significant effects on the amount of desorbing benzene but effects TPD profiles and desorption temperatures. We observe the production of C2H2 and C4H4 species for lower benzene exposures and detect no effect of electron bombardment on this trend. The C(KLL) Auger electron feature exhibits qualitative line-shape changes with respect to benzene exposure and annealing temperature. Our results indicate that benzene dissociates on Zr(0 0 0 1) for lower exposures, forming a carbonized surface upon which additional benzene adsorbs and remains stable to unexpectedly high temperatures.