Influence of triton X-100 on the reconstruction of Au(111) in chloride solution

The influence of the surfactant Triton X-100 (T-X-100) on the reconstruction process of Au(111) single crystal electrode surface in chloride media was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and double potential step chronoamperometry. Adsorption of T-X-100 stabilizes the reconstructed face of Au(l 11). In the presence of T-X-100 both the potential-induced formation of the reconstructed face as well as the reconstruction lifting process are slowed down, especially the (1 x 1) - (root3 x 22) transformation. The effects are explained in terms of surface diffusion of gold atoms. Increasing concentrations of chloride ions enhance the inhibition effects of T-X-100 by changing the structure of adsorbed T-X-100.