Surface Structure Dependence in Desorption and Crystallization of Thin Interfacial Water Films on Platinum.

We study the influence of substrate structure on desorption and crystallization of water deposited at 100 K on platinum. We use ultrathin water films adsorbed to well-defined but highly corrugated Pt(211) and Pt(221) surfaces. Desorption spectra reveal variations in the wetting and subsequent layers that critically depend on step type. Crystallization is induced at much lower substrate temperatures as compared to Pt(111). The crystalline ice (CI)-like layer is also significantly more stable on stepped surfaces as evidenced by a higher desorption energy. Crystallinity of the CI-like layers is maintained over a thickness that varies strongly with step type.