This book presents the basics and characterization of defects at oxide surfaces. It provides a
state-of-the-art review of the field containing information to the various types of surface
defects describes analytical methods to study defects their chemical activity and the
catalytic reactivity of oxides. Numerical simulations of defective structures complete the
picture developed. Defects on planar surfaces form the focus of much of the book although the
investigation of powder samples also form an important part. The experimental study of planar
surfaces opens the possibility of applying the large armoury of techniques that have been
developed over the last half-century to study surfaces in ultra-high vacuum. This enables the
acquisition of atomic level data under well-controlled conditions providing a stringent test
of theoretical methods. The latter can then be more reliably applied to systems such as
nanoparticles for which accurate methods of characterization of structure and electronic
properties have yet to be developed. The book gives guidance to tailor oxide surfaces by
controlling the nature and concentration of defects. The importance of defects in the physics
and chemistry of metal oxide surfaces is presented in this book together with the prominent
role of oxides in common life. The book contains contributions from leaders in the field. It
serves as a reference for experts and beginners in the field.
