In Situ Observation of C−C Coupling and Step Poisoning During the Growth of Hydrocarbon Chains on Ni(111)

Abstract The synthesis of high‐value fuels and plastics starting from small hydrocarbon molecules plays a central role in the current transition towards renewable energy. However, detailed mechanisms driving growth chains remain to large extent unknown. Here we investigated formation resulting acetylene polymerization on Ni(111) model catalyst surface. Exploiting X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy up near‐ambient pressures, intermediate species reaction products have been identified. Complementary situ scanning tunneling microscopy observations shed light onto C−C coupling mechanism. While step edges metal are commonly assumed be active sites for coupling, showed that occurs instead flat terraces metallic