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.
