In solid metals, electron orbitals form broad bands and their binding of adsorbates depends on the bandwidth. Now, it is shown that a weak solute–matrix interaction in dilute alloys results in extremely narrow electronic bands on the solute, similar to a free-atom electronic structure. This structure affords unique adsorption properties important for catalysis.
- M. T. Greiner
- T. E. Jones
- R. Schlögl