Surface X-ray scattering studies of the growth of Pd thin films on the Pt(0 0 1) electrode surface and the effects of the adsorption of CO

The morphology of electrochemically deposited Pd films on the Pt(0 0 1) electrode surface has been examined through the combination of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and in situ surface X-ray scattering (SXS). Analysis of SXS measurements has indicated that the Pd grows via pseudomorphic island formation, with the partial occupation of successive layers occurring at a first layer occupation of 0.8 ML. Further Pd deposition sees the formation of larger islands built onto the now complete monolayer, characteristic of pseudomorphic Stranski–Krastanov (SK) growth. In the HUPD potential region the effect of CO on the surface expansion of the multilayer Pd film is negligible. In the hydrogen evolution region, however, the effect of the adsorption of CO has been shown to produce surface normal expansion and in-plane disorder of the Pd film. It is suggested that hydrogen permeation into the Pd film is enhanced on the CO-poisoned surface.