Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    A-site adatoms stabilize ABO3(001) surface reconstructions

    Siyu Wu1,*, Chao He1,*, Linzhe Tang1, Shaogang Xu1,2, and Hu Xu1,2,†

    • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
    • †Contact author: xuh@sustech.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. B 114, 105303 – Published 17 August, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/qrxz-9fgb

    Abstract

    Atomic-scale surface reconstructions critically affect the performance of ABO3 perovskites in catalysis and electronic devices. However, their structural complexity, together with the limited predictive power of existing theoretical models, makes it difficult to determine the true atomic arrangements and therefore hinders rational materials design. Here, using SrTiO3(001) [STO(001)] as a model system, we develop a deep potential (DP)-based global optimization framework that efficiently screens candidate reconstructions in large supercells. Within this framework, we identify a series of Sr-adatom-stabilized surface structures for the (2×2), c(4×2), and (5×5)R26.6∘ reconstructions, all of which have substantially lower surface energies than conventional models, thereby helping resolve longstanding discrepancies between theory and experiment. We further reveal that Sr adatoms act as structural bridges that interconnect TiO5 units, triggering a pronounced “bonding reinforcement” characterized by enhanced orbital resonance and a significant downward shift of electronic energy levels. To examine the transferability of this A-site-adatom stabilization principle, we fine-tune the STO training set to rapidly obtain an accurate DP model for BaTiO3(001) [BTO(001)]. Applying the same framework to BTO(001), we predict a previously unreported Ba-adatom (5×5)R26.6∘ reconstruction, indicating that the mechanism can be transferred from STO to the related BTO surface. Overall, this work identifies A-site adatoms as a stabilizing motif for the related ABO3(001) surfaces examined here and provides an extendable, high-accuracy strategy for predicting complex oxide surface and interface structures.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation