Surface structure determination of silica single layer on Mo(112) by LEED

The atomic structure of silica single layer on a Mo(112) substrate was determined by means of low-energy electron diffraction analysis. The best-fit structure was consistent with findings of previous studies [Phys. Rev. Lett. 95 (2005) 076103 and Phys. Rev. Lett. 103 (2009) 017601]. The unit cell is c(2 × 2)-Si2O5 and is composed of a two-dimensional network of SiO4 tetrahedrons. The tetrahedrons incline slightly to fit the silica network on the Mo(112) surface while maintaining the ideal Si–O bond length. Since there are no dangling bonds in the silica network, the surface is very stable even in the atmosphere.