Adsorption and desorption dynamics of small molecules on metal and alloy surfaces

The interaction between atoms and molecules with solid surfaces are of fundamental importance in many areas of advanced technology. Because of this technological relevance of surface reactions in many applied areas there is a great effort undertaken internationally to understand the fundamental processes at the molecular level of the initial stages of chemisorption and their dependence on both physical and chemical parameters. In this Joint Research Programme (JRP) we are on the one hand investigating the chemisorption on complex multicomponent surfaces to obtain a basic understanding of bonding and reaction concepts, and on the other hand highlighting new properties that appear on controlled modification at the atomic level of metal and oxide surfaces. The collaboration of groups with physical and chemical backgrounds, and the close interaction between experimentalists and theoreticians are vital in tackling the complex interdisciplinary nature of this programme. The blend of groups is such that an enormeous gain occurs compared to that which would be possible by the groups working individually. Although many of the issues tackled are of a more basic nature, the results obtained on multicomponent surfaces are of practical interest in the areas of heterogeneous catalysis, thin film growth, and surface processing. The systems investigated range from single crystal metal surfaces, ordered surface alloys through to complex metal-oxide heterogeneous model catalysts. The selection of themes in the various projects traces the way from "idealised" to technologically "practical" surfaces, from simple chemisorption reactions to catalytically meaningful processes. The knowledge base obtained in this programme will enhance the scientific basis of heterogeneous catalysis, which in the industrial praxis has been thus far empirical "trial and error". The various projects in this JRP are at the cutting edge of modern surface science, a research area of utmost importance to technologically advanced societies.