Two different model catalysts were prepared by means of spin-coating on an oxidised Si(100) surface using bis-salicyl-aldehydato-copper(II) and Cu(NO3)2(H2O)2.5, both solved in cyclohexanone, as precursors respectively. The prepared surfaces were examined by atomic force microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. Using bis-salicyl-aldehydato-copper(II) as a precursor resulted in a surface covered with highly disperse copper-oxide particles. The use Of CU(NO3)2(H2O)2.5 resulted in disperse copper-oxide clusters. We attribute this difference in surface morphology to a difference in surface interaction of the solutions used.