Summary:

2D silica bilayer films are atomically-thin structures of silicon and oxygen. The films have interesting prospects in experimental simulation of surface chemistry on silicate materials, both in the contexts of astrochemistry and industrial catalysis. 

In our recent paper, titled "Formation and oxygen intercalation of vitreous 2D silica bilayer films on Ir(111)", we investigate 2D silica bilayer films on the (111) surface of iridium, and find that the films are similar to those observed on platinum and palladium surfaces. 

The work expands the arsenal of available silicate model systems at the Center for Interstellar Catalysis. These model systems are a key part of planned experiments, which will increase our understanding of chemistry in interstellar environments. 

View paper here: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/cp/d5cp04298d