STM, FTIR and quantum chemical calculation studies of acetate structures on Cu(1 1 0) surfaces

We have exposed clean and oxygen-precovered Cu(1 1 0) surfaces to acetic acid to create adsorbed acetate. Our studies show the formation of a variety of ordered acetate structures depending on the initial oxygen exposure. We have observed the restructuring of step edges and the formation of ordered arrays of up–down steps. Using a purposeful coadsorption strategy, we have obtained images that assist us in developing models for the acetate structures. Fast Fourier transform infrared spectra have been obtained and Hartree–Fock calculations are included for comparison.