Adsorption geometry of glycine on Cu(001) determined with low-energy electron diffraction and scanning tunnelling microscopy

Using low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) it has been found that glycine molecules adsorbed on Cu(001) can form but only the (2×4) and c(2×4) superstructures. On the basis of the missing LEED spots of the surface, it has been concluded that: each (2×4) unit cell consists of two molecules, one being the mirror image of the other; the C-C axis of both molecules lies in the mirror plane of the Cu substrate without a significant shift and twist from the plane; and the two O atoms of the carboxylate group of both molecules locate at the same height level without significant buckling. According to these conclusions, a structural model has been proposed for the (2×4) superstructure (a model for the c(2×4) superstructure already exists). We argue that the (2×4) and c(2×4) superstructures must have similar specific surface free energy, that their hydrogen bonds must be of N-H-OII type and that their local adsorption geometry must be similar or even the same. The advantage of combining STM with LEED to determine surface structures is clearly demonstrated.