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Adsorption of water on NaCl (100) surfaces: Role of atomic steps

Journal Article · · Journal of Physical Chemistry B: Materials, Surfaces, Interfaces, amp Biophysical
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/jp9625772· OSTI ID:502015
; ;  [1]
  1. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab., CA (United States)
Using an atomic force microscope operated in contact and noncontact mode, we have studied the structures formed on the (100) cleavage surface of NaCl when exposed to water vapor. Above approximately 35% relative humidity (RH), a uniform layer of water is formed and the surface steps are observed to evolve slowly. At approximately 73% RH, the step structure becomes unstable and disappears abruptly because of dissolution (deliquescence) of the salt surface. Reversing the process by drying leads to the reappearance of new, more uniform monatomic steps. At humidity levels less than 30%, water adsorbs primarily at the step edges. 17 refs., 4 figs.
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
502015
Journal Information:
Journal of Physical Chemistry B: Materials, Surfaces, Interfaces, amp Biophysical, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry B: Materials, Surfaces, Interfaces, amp Biophysical Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 101; ISSN 1089-5647; ISSN JPCBFK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English