Near-Surface Alloys of PtRh on Rh(111) and Pt(111) Characterized by STM

The use of Pt–Rh catalysts is central in a number industrial processes, and to explain their performance it essential have solid understanding nanoscopic surface structure. Here we scanning tunneling microscopy investigate the growth, elemental nanostructuring, reconstruction behavior various near-surface alloys (NSA) on fcc Rh(111) Pt(111). We document formation novel lamellar island atop Pt/Rh(111) islands as well network reconstructions Rh/Pt(111), similar those previously observed for Pt/Pt(111). extended roadmap preparation PtRh NSAs allows comparison with other homo/heteroepitaxial metal/fcc surfaces provides facile guideline producing tailor-made model catalytic surfaces.