Defluorination of C$_{60}$F$_{48}$ molecules adsorbed on the Cu(001) surface

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy studies of the decay of C$_{60}$F$_{48}$ molecules in submonolayer and monolayer coatings on the Cu(001) surface have been reported. Fluorofullerene molecules on the copper surface at room temperature begin to lose fluorine atoms immediately after adsorption. C 1s spectra indicate a significant decrease in C-F bonds in the core of fluorofullerene molecules in the submonolayer coating and gradual loss of fluorine in the monolayer coating with time. It has been found that the energy position of the C-F peak in the C 1s spectrum depends on the content of fluorine in a molecule. Cu 2p spectra after adsorption have features inherent in copper halide. Scanning tunneling microscopy images of the submonolayer coating demonstrate the $(\sqrt{2}\times\sqrt{2})$R$45^{\circ}$ and $(2\sqrt{2}\times\sqrt{2})$R$45^{\circ}$ surface reconstructions caused by the effect of adsorbed fluorine atoms.