Adsorption and oxidation of carbon monoxide on {100} nickel: II. Combined LEED and mass spectrometer measurements

Abstract

Observations of CO adsorption on {100} nickel made previously by Park and Farnsworth have been repeated with a combined LEED and mass spectrometer (MS) system. The results confirm the previous observations and are in disagreement with those of Lichtman, Kirst, and McQuistan. Possible causes of the discrepancy are indicated. CO adsorption on the surface subsequent to prolonged heat treatment was greatly reduced due to diffusion of contamination from the bulk. No desorption of O 2 or O was observed even when a CO-covered surface was exposed to O 2 and heated subsequently, but only large desorptions of CO 2 and CO with a c2 × 2-O structure remaining on the surface. Also, heating a surface, which had been exposed to O 2 only, produced desorption of CO but no trace of O 2 or O was found.