Experimental in situ studies of copper exposed to humidified air

Three complementary experimental techniques for in situ surface analysis have been combined for the first time in order to explore the chemistry and physics of a copper surface exposed to humidified air. Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance and atomic force microscopy provide a congruent picture of the processes occurring at the surface. At a given relative humidity, cuprous oxide forms according to an approximately logarithmic rate law. In addition, an aqueous adlayer of constant mass physisorbs on the surface. Increased relative humidity stimulates the physisorption of water and enhances the nucleation rate of oxide grains, thereby increasing the formation rate of cuprous oxide.