Surface topographical changes and chemical wave patterns in catalytic CO oxidation on Pt(1 1 0)

Chemical wave patterns in catalytic CO oxidation on a Pt(1 1 0) surface have been studied in the 10−5 mbar range using low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) as spatially resolving method. During rate oscillations a cellular pattern develops whose characteristic dimensions are apparently determined by the surface topography of the Pt(1 1 0) surface. Exposure to oscillatory conditions causes a roughening of the surface associated with macroscopic changes in the surface topography.