Inhibition of potential-induced surface reconstruction on Au(1 0 0) electrode by the products of tyramine electro-oxidation

Our studies are focused on the stability of the unreconstructed Au(1 0 0) surface against potential-induced reconstruction in a solution containing products of tyramine (T) electro-oxidation. It is demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry and capacity measurements that in the presence of T, which reduces the stability of the reconstructed Au(1 0 0) surface, the potential-induced surface reconstruction is a fast process on condition that a preceding positive going scan is performed to potentials from the double layer region. Further extension of this scans to the potential region where the oxidation of T takes place, causes a considerable slow down of the potential-induced reconstruction. Kinetics of the potential-induced reconstruction in a solution containing products of T electro-oxidation is investigated. Inhibition of this process is explained by a strong adsorption of species produced during T oxidation on the gold surface.