Molecules Co-adsorbed on metal surfaces: Investigations using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract

Condensed phases-solids and liquids must have surfaces or interfaces. These surfaces exhibit some remarkable physical and chemical properties, which may significantly differ from those of the bulk [1]. The importance of surface science and in particular surface chemistry has been recognized for nearly two centuries [2] mostly in connection with heterogeneous catalysis. The earliest attempt was perhaps by Dobereiner in early 18th century, associated with the discovery of Pt surface catalyzed reaction of H2 and O2. Over the decades surface science has evolved into an important branch of science due to seminal contributions from Kirchhoff, Davy, Henry, Philips, Faraday, Berzelius, Deacon, Messel, Mond, Ostwald, Sabatier, Haber, Langmuir and many others. Since 1950's the availability of ultrahigh vacuum systems and solid state electronic circuitry resulted in the fast growth of the discipline into the present modern surface science. New instrumentation methods and techniques that have been developed in the last few decades indeed permit the study of surface properties on an atomic scale.