In situ real-time study on potential induced structure change at Au(111) and Au(100) single crystal electrode/sulfuric acid solution interfaces by surface x-ray scattering

Surface X-ray scattering (SXS) measurements were carried out to monitor the potential induced structure changes such as surface reconstruction lifting, adsorption of oxygen species, formation of surface oxide bilayer, reduction of surface oxide, and surface reconstruction at Au(111)/H2SO4 and Au(100)/H2SO4 interfaces in situ in real time using intense high energy X-ray. The phase transition of the reconstruction/lifting, adsorption of oxygen species, and surface oxide formation/reduction at the Au(100) electrode proceed much slower, slightly slower, and faster, respectively, than at the Au(111) electrode.