Origin of spontaneous desorption observed in direct sticking probability experiments of weak molecular adsorption
Abstract
Using two isotopes of ethane, we have investigatd the origin of spontaneous ethane desorption previously observed during direct adsorption probability measurements of molecular ethane adsorption onto a cold Pt(111) surface. We believe the spontaneous desorption may result from a phase transition in the ethane adlayer at coverages near monolayer saturation which shifts adsorbed ethane to a lower binding energy surface site and/or molecular configuration. We also provide conclusive evidence that desorption from the monolayer does not occur during our measurements of the coverage-dependent sticking probability.
- Publication:
-
Surface Science Letters
- Pub Date:
- 1993
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0167-2584(93)90256-I
- Bibcode:
- 1993SurSL.293L.847M