Direct Observation of Layer-by-Layer Wetting of Graphite by Ethylene

Abstract

It has been demonstrated directly by use of x-ray diffraction that at temperatures below the triple point of bulk ethylene (103.8 K) adsorption of ethylene onto the basal planes of graphite only occurs up to a finite number of molecular layers. Further addition of molecules results in the formation of bulk crystallites. Reversible transitions between the total number of layers adsorbed and the coexisting bulk are observed.