Abstract
A new concept for describing the active site in heterogeneous catalysis, called the embedded surface molecule, is defined. The surface molecule consists of the atoms from reagent, catalyst and product which participate directly in the catalytic act. Embedding considers the relationship of the surface molecule to the rest of the catalyst. Embedding modifies the electronic environment of the surface molecule and also provides reagent molecules to the site by surface diffusion. The concept is illustrated by reference to the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide at the Rh(110) surface. Two different types of kinetics are observed, depending on the oxygen coverage and it is argued that the changeover is largely due to a change in embedding conditions, while the reacting surface molecule is unchanged.
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