The interaction of NO, O₂ and CO with Cu(710) and Cu(711)

Abstract

The kinetics of the adsorption of NO and O₂, and of the subsequent reduction with CO have been studied on the stepped copper surfaces Cu(711) and Cu(710). The surfaces exhibit terraces with the (100) structure, and steps with the (111) and the (110) structure, respectively. Gases were admitted at pressures ranging from 6 × 10 ⁶ to 10 ¹ Pa, temperatures ranged from 370 to 670 K. Upon reaction, the adsorption sites and geometry are similar to those on Cu(100). The reactivity of the entire Cu(100) surface is increased by about an order of magnitude due to the presence of steps. The orientation of the steps only slightly affects the kinetics.