Surface reaction-diffusion fronts observed with photoelectron emission microscopy during carbon deposition on Mo(310)

In situ, real-time photoelectron emission microscopy and post-deposition scanning Auger microscopy of carbon deposition on oxygen-covered Mo(310) at 950 K show that sulfur stabilizes the carbon layer on the Mo surface. Reaction diffusion fronts are observed to travel across the Mo surface. The leading edges of these fronts are divided into discrete bands. A model for the development of the bands based on the diffusion of carbon and sulfur and possibly other reactants is presented.