Benzene adsorption and oxidation on Ir(1 1 1)

Adsorption, decomposition and oxidation of benzene on Ir(1 1 1) was studied by high resolution (synchrotron) XPS, temperature programmed desorption and low energy electron diffraction. Molecular adsorption of benzene on Ir(1 1 1) is observed between 170 K and 350 K. Above this temperature both desorption and decomposition of benzene take place. An ordered adsorbate structure was observed upon adsorption around 335 K. Decomposition involves C-C bond breaking as the formation of CHad is observed. The presence of a saturated Oad layer (0.5 ML) weakens molecular benzene adsorption and suppresses decomposition.