Adsorption and solution of H 2, D 2, N 2, O 2 and CO by (100) Ta

Abstract

Sticking coefficients, saturation densities, and solution rates of gases on (100) Ta are obtained by comparing with results on (100) W using Auger electron spectroscopy and flash desorption. Hydrogen has a lower sticking coefficient on (100) Ta than on polycrystalline Ta, but solution occurs readily even at 78°K. Differences between H 2 and D 2 are observed for both adsorption and solution. Nitrogen is confined to the surface of Ta for T < ≈500°K, and adsorbed nitrogen dissolves with an activation energy of ≈2.5 kcal mole −1 upon heating to higher temperatures. The saturation density of O 2 at 300° K is approximately twice that on (100) W. The first monolayer dissolves at ≈500°K but the second dissolves or desorbs only at much higher temperatures. Carbon monoxide adsorbs without solution of either species at 300°K. At ≈500°K carbon dissolves completely leaving oxygen which desorbs at much higher temperature.