We propose a quantitative and reversible method for tuning the charge localization of Au-stabilized stepped Si surfaces by site-specific hydrogenation. This is demonstrated for Si(553)-Au as a model system by combining density functional theory simulations and reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy experiments. We find that controlled H passivation is a two-step process: step-edge adsorption drives excess charge into the conducting metal chain "reservoir" and renders it insulating, while surplus H recovers metallic behavior. Our approach illustrates a route towards microscopic manipulation of the local surface charge distribution and establishes a reversible switch of site-specific chemical reactivity and magnetic properties on vicinal surfaces.

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The interaction of the central magnesium atom of chlorophyll a (Chl a) with the carbon and nitrogen backbone was investigated by magnesium K near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy in fluorescence detection mode. A crude extract of Chl a was measured as a 1 × 10 mol/L ethanol solution (which represents an upper limit of concentration without aggregation) and as dried droplets. For the first time, the investigation of Mg bound to Chl a in a liquid environment by means of X-ray absorption spectroscopy is demonstrated. A pre-edge feature in the dissolved as well as in dried Chl a NEXFAS spectra has been identified as a characteristic transition originating from Mg in the Chl a molecule. This result is confirmed by theoretical DFT calculations leading to molecular orbitals (MO) which are mainly situated on the magnesium atom and nitrogen and carbon atoms from the pyrrole rings. The description is the first referring to the MO distribution with respect to the central Mg ion of Chl a and the surrounding atoms. On this basis, new approaches for the investigations of dynamic processes of molecules in solution and structure-function relationships of photosynthetic pigments and pigment-protein complexes in their native environment can be developed.

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