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M E Vela

Publications and source records attributed to M E Vela.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Complex surface dynamics during anodic dissolution of Ni.

The evolution of the surface roughness during the anodic dissolution of polycrystalline Ni was investigated by means of ex situ AFM in acid phosphate solutions. To characterize the time and spatial scaling behavior of surface roughness, the interface width and the power spectral density of the surface at different dissolution stages were analyzed in terms of dynamic scaling theories. The time dependence of global surface roughness, W(L,t), shows an unstable behavior characterized by a continuous increase without saturation following the relation W approximately t(beta), where beta > 0.5. The unstable behavior results from the development of wide grooves that originates a surface consisting of mounds. Two scaling regimes at scales shorter and larger than the mound dimensions (l(c)) were observed. For l < l(c), we found alpha approximately 1 consistent with mounds exhibiting smooth (faceted) walls, whereas an anomalous scaling behavior with a proper local roughness exponents (alpha(loc) < 1) dominates at l > l(c). The introduction of nitrite in the solution, a common additive used in phosphating baths, leads to some changes in the scaling behavior as a consequence of different generated chemical surface conditions during dissolution. The different dissolution rates of the exposed crystal orientations and surface diffusion of adatoms were identified as the physical processes that govern the interface dynamic for this system.

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PubMed2005

Self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols on Au(111): surface structures, defects and dynamics.

The surface structures, defects and dynamics of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111) are reviewed. In the case of the well-known c(4 x 2) and radical 3 x radical 3 R30 degrees surface structures, the present discussion is centered on the determination of the adsorption sites. A more complex scenario emerges for the striped phases, where a variety of surface structures that depends on surface coverage are described. Recently reported surface structures at non-saturation coverage show the richness of the self-assembly process. The study of surface dynamics sheds light on the relative stability of some of these surface structures. Typical defects at the alkanethiol monolayer are shown and discussed in relation to SAMs applications.

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PubMed2004

Role of surface heterogeneity and molecular interactions in the charge-transfer process through self-assembled thiolate monolayers on Au(111).

A comparative study of charge-transfer processes from/to methyl-terminated and carboxylate-terminated thiolate-covered Au(111) surfaces to/from immobilized methylene blue (MB) molecules is presented. Scanning tunneling microscopy images with molecular resolution reveal the presence of molecular-sized defects, missing rows, and crystalline domains with different tilts that turn the thickness of the alkanethiolate SAM (the spacer) uncertain. The degree of surface heterogeneity at the SAMs increases as the number of C units (n) in the hydrocarbon chain decreases from n = 6. Defective regions act as preferred paths for MB incorporation into the methyl-terminated SAMs, driven by hydrophobic forces. The presence of negative-charged terminal groups at the SAMs reduces the number of molecules that can be incorporated, immobilizing them at the outer plane of the monolayer. Only MB molecules incorporated into the SAMs close to the Au(111) surface (at a distance < 0.5 nm) are electrochemically active. MB molecules trapped in different defects explain the broad shape and humps observed in the voltammogram of the redox couple. The heterogeneous charge-transfer rate constants for MB immobilized into methyl-terminated thiolate SAMs are higher than those estimated for carboxylate- terminated SAMs, suggesting a different orientation of the immobilized molecule in the thiolate environment.

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PubMed2004

Influence of the adsorption of N species on the anodic dissolution of Ni.

The dissolution and passivation of Ni in nitrite-containing acid solutions are investigated by Auger spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and conventional electrochemical techniques. The dissolution/ passivation of the Ni surface is consistent with a competition between adsorbed OH- and nitrogen-containing species with a potential-dependent surface coverage. Nitrogen-containing species hinder the passivation of the Ni surface, shifting the formation of the complex nickel hydroxide/oxide film to more positive potential values. The dynamics of the dissolving interface, followed by atomic force microscopy, reflect first the competition of adsorbed species, leading to the development of protrusions and cavities, and finally the formation of the passive film that promotes surface smoothening by a preferential dissolution of the protrusion tips under ohmic control.

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PubMed2003

Following adsorption kinetics at electrolyte/metal interfaces through crystal truncation scattering: sulfur on Au(111).

Combining electrochemical methods, in situ scanning tunneling microscopy, and surface x-ray diffraction allowed study of the structure and kinetics of S/Au(111) electrodes in aqueous electrolytes under potential control. Integrated intensities of a particular crystal truncation rod at anti-Bragg conditions were used to trace the sulfur adsorption and desorption as a function of electrode potential in real time. The S desorption is a first order process and the adsorption follows a Langmuir isotherm. A weakly bound S layer is found on the surface before charge transfer, and then specific adsorption occurs.

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