High resolution Auger electron spectroscopic study of the chemisorption and decomposition of benzene, cyclohexene and cyclohexane on a clean and carbided Fe(110) surface

Abstract

The chemisorption and decomposition of benzene, cyclohexene and cyclohexane on clean and carbided Fe(110) surfaces has been studied by electron impact-induced Auger electron spectroscopy. Distinct and characteristic carbon (1s VV) Auger line-shapes of the three cyclic hydrocarbons molecularly adsorbed on a clean Fe(110) surface are reported. The thermal decomposition pathway of both benzene and cyclohexene have been followed and found to be similar. Cyclohexane has been found to desorb from the clean surface at well below room temperature without undergoing decomposition.