Electrochemical Reconstruction of Metal Surfaces

Abstract

The invention relates to methods and compositions for the surface reconstruction of gold and other metal surfaces. Specifically, an applied potential and a certain solution composition, is used to reconstruct the metal surface atoms into a specific atomic lattice arrangement (symmetry). Also disclosed is a kit for the surface reconstruction of metal electrodes.

1 . Electrochemical methods for reconstructing gold metal surfaces into a specific lattice arrangement, with each method comprising: a container, potential sweep(s), switching potentials, electrodes and a specific solution composition. 
   
   
       2 . Electrochemical methods for reconstructing additional metal surfaces into a specific lattice arrangement, with each method comprising: a container, potential sweep(s), switching potentials, electrodes and a specific solution composition. 
   
   
       3 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 1 , wherein said methods do not require equipment such as a scanning tunneling microscope (STM), atomic force microscope (AFM) or quartz crystal microbalance to perform the reconstructions. 
   
   
       4 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 1 , wherein said methods do not require ultra high vacuum conditions in order to perform or preserve the reconstructions. 
   
   
       5 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 1 , wherein said methods create a stable reconstructed surface that can be mailed via the postal service without complicated precautions, storage and packaging. 
   
   
       6 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 1 , wherein said methods create a stable reconstructed surface that can also be stored in ultra clean conditions. 
   
   
       7 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 1 , wherein these methods include a method for obtaining the lowest energy atomic surface arrangement [Au(111)] without the use of flame annealing. 
   
   
       8 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 1 , wherein these methods are included in kits to reconstruct the gold surface. These kits comprise different chemical solutions, electrochemical cells, and electrodes (reference, auxiliary and working). 
   
   
       9 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 2 , wherein said methods do not require equipment such as a scanning tunneling microscope (STM), atomic force microscope (AFM) or quartz crystal microbalance to perform the reconstructions. 
   
   
       10 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 2 , wherein said methods do not require ultra high vacuum conditions in order to perform or preserve the reconstructions. 
   
   
       11 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 2 , wherein said methods create a stable reconstructed surface that can be mailed via the postal service without complicated precautions, storage and packaging. 
   
   
       12 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 2 , wherein said methods create a stable reconstructed surface that can also be stored in ultra clean conditions. 
   
   
       13 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 2 , wherein these methods include a method for obtaining the lowest energy atomic surface arrangement without the use of flame annealing. 
   
   
       14 . The electrochemical methods of  claim 2 , wherein these methods are included in kits to reconstruct the metal surface. These kits comprise different chemical solutions, containers, and electrodes (reference, auxiliary and working) for each metal.