Adsorption of ethylene on stoichiometric RuO2(1 1 0)

Ethylene adsorbed on the stoichiometric RuO2(1 1 0) surface at 85 K is investigated applying high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy and thermal desorption spectroscopy in combination with isotope labeling experiments. Under the applied conditions (ultra-high vacuum, no continuous reactant supply) ethylene does not react with stoichiometric RuO2(1 1 0) and is desorbed molecularly at 320 K. Warming to 260 K leads to a rearrangement of C2H4 from π- to σ-bonded.