Work function changes in the Ag deposition on TiO2 (110)

In this study, changes in the TiO₂ (110) work function where followed during Ag deposition in the sub-monolayer regime. Changes in the surface are readily detected as changes in the work function. Significant differences where found in measurements at room temperature and at liquid nitrogen temperature, which can be attributed to differences in the growth mode at those temperatures.The observed work function lowering is evidence of dipole formation by Ag clusters on the TiO₂ surface. Since the size and shape of these clusters depend on the surface temperature the differences on the work function variation should be related with the polarization induced by the shape of such clusters.