Surface X-ray scattering of stepped surfaces of platinum in an electrochemical environment: Pt(331) = 3(111)-(111) and Pt(511) = 3(100)-(111).

Real surface structures of the high-index planes of Pt with three atomic rows of terraces (Pt(331) = 3(111)-(111) and Pt(511) = 3(100)-(111)) have been determined in 0.1 M HClO 4 at 0.1 and 0.5 V(RHE) with the use of surface X-ray scattering (SXS). The surfaces with two atomic rows of terraces, Pt(110) = 2(111)-(111) and Pt(311) = 2(100)-(111) = 2(111)-(100), are reconstructed to a (1 x 2) structure according to previous studies. However, the surfaces with three atomic rows of terraces have pseudo-(1 x 1) structures. The interlayer spacing between the first and the second layers, d 12 is expanded 13% on Pt(331) compared to that of the bulk, whereas it is contracted 37% on Pt(511). The surface structures do not depend on the applied potential on either surface.