Pyrocatechol as a surface capping molecule on rutile TiO2 (110)

► Adsorption of pyrocatechol on rutile TiO2 (110) single crystal surface. ► Pyrocatechol protects vacuum-cleaned TiO2 (110) surface when exposed to atmosphere. ► N3 dye in solution replaces pyrocatechol on the surface. ► N3 dye adsorbs intact on TiO2 (110) surface with no obvious contamination.