Chemisorption and fragmentation of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ on Pt(111) and Ni(110)

The interaction between ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ and the Pt(111) surface has been studied by high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy, photoemission and Auger spectroscopy, and low-energy electron diffraction from 100 to 1150 K. ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ forms strong covalent bonds with Pt with very small charge transfer (<0.8 electrons/molecule from ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ to the substrate), has a low surface mobility, and decomposes at about 1050 K, leaving a multidomain graphitic surface layer. ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ decomposes also on Ni(110) at about 760 K, forming a carbidic carbon layer, which transforms into graphitic carbon at higher temperatures. Both surfaces act as a catalyst for the fragmentation process. © 1996 The American Physical Society.