Adsorption Dynamics on Metal Surfaces
Summary
The adsorption of molecules and atoms onto metal surfaces underpins numerous technological and natural processes. Adsorption dynamics encompass the initial capture of gas-phase or solution-phase species by a solid substrate, subsequent surface diffusion, potential reaction or decomposition pathways, and eventual desorption. Surface structure—including terraces, step edges and defects—critically influences binding sites and energies. The interplay between chemisorption, characterised by the formation of chemical bonds, and physisorption, driven by weaker van der Waals forces, determines both stability and reactivity. Modern theoretical approaches, principally density functional theory combined with molecular dynamics and kinetic rate modelling, have enabled atomistic resolution of adsorption phenomena. In parallel, experimental techniques such as reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermal desorption spectroscopy yield real-time insights into intermediate species and activation barriers. These combined strategies reveal how temperature, pressure, surface coverage and co-adsorbates modulate adsorption pathways. Understanding adsorption dynamics on metal surfaces is vital for optimising heterogeneous catalysis, advancing corrosion resistance, designing sensors and developing energy conversion devices, with ongoing research addressing complex environments and multi-component systems.
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Adsorption Dynamics on Metal Surfaces publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in adsorption dynamics on metal surfaces across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Adsorption energy: The change in energy when a species binds to a surface, indicating adsorption strength.
Chemisorption: Adsorption involving the formation of chemical bonds between adsorbate and substrate atoms.
Physisorption: Adsorption dominated by weak van der Waals interactions without significant charge transfer.
Activation energy: The energy barrier that must be overcome for a surface reaction or transformation to proceed.
Adatom: An atom adsorbed on the surface, capable of diffusing and participating in surface reactions.
Van der Waals interactions: Weak, long-range forces arising from induced electrical fluctuations between molecules and surfaces.
References
- Van der Waals density functional study of formic acid adsorption and decomposition on Cu(111). The Journal of Chemical Physics (2019).
- Partial reduction of NO to N 2 O on Cu{311}: role of intermediate N 2 O 2. Catalysis Science & Technology (2022).
- Density functional theory study of NO-H2O coadsorption on Cu(111). Physical Review Materials (2022).
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