An Investigation of Ni₂P Single Crystal Surfaces: Structure, Electronic State and Reactivity

Ni₂P has demonstrated high catalytic activity for hydrodesulfurization and has recently been employed as a catalyst in a variety of other reactions. We have thoroughly reviewed the literature concerning Ni₂P single crystal surfaces, with the aim of determining the relationship between surface structure and catalytic properties. Published results to date indicate that Ni₂P single crystal surfaces exhibit reconstructed structures, and so the bulk terminated structure may not be stable. We have also reviewed the surface structures and electronic states of (1 × 1) and reconstructed Ni₂P(0001) and (\(10\overline{1} 0\)). Based on these reviews, this paper presents general rules regarding stabilization of the Ni₂P surface structure and discusses the role of phosphorus in the single crystal surfaces.