Surface Science Investigation of MoS2 Nanoclusters Supported on TiO2 for a Fundamental Understanding of Hydrodesulphurization Catalysts Matthias Batzill, Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL (a)
atomically flat terraces with alternating dark and bright rows to due atomic structure (see model below) MoS2 nano-clusters
atomic-height step edges
Growth of MoS2 clusters by vapor depsoition of Mo-atoms in an H2S atmosphere 6 nm
(b)
5 nm
5-fold coordinated Ti-rows 2-fold terminating Oxygen
Scanning tunneling microscopy enables us an atomic scale look at the surface structure of supported MoS2 clusters on a TiO2 (110) substrates. Initial results are encouraging that model MoS2 clusters can be synthesized by vapor phase deposition in ultra high vacuum. These TiO2 supported MoS2 clusters will be used in future studies for characterization of the fundamental mechanisms in the hydrodesulphurization reaction.
