What is surface reconstructions?

Surface reconstructions are changes in the atomic structure and arrangement of the surface atoms of a material compared to the bulk crystal structure. These changes occur due to factors such as surface energy minimization, strain relaxation, and interactions with the surrounding environment.

Surface reconstructions can have a significant impact on the electronic, chemical, and mechanical properties of materials, making them an important area of study in materials science.

There are different types of surface reconstructions, including adatom and vacancy reconstructions, step edge reconstructions, and reconstruction due to adsorbates or defects.

Surface reconstructions can be characterized and studied using techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Understanding surface reconstructions is crucial for various applications, including catalysis, sensors, and thin film growth, as they can influence the surface properties and behavior of materials in these applications.