Abstract
The dissociation of at metal surfaces is discussed with particular reference to the role of electrons. It is shown that the holes of a transition metal serve initially as sinks for electrons. This reduces the Pauli repulsion and so the entrance-channel activation barrier. transfer continues into the chemisorption region and allows the formation of metal-H bonds with only a moderate weakening of the metal-metal bonds.
- Received 23 April 1985
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.55.1583
©1985 American Physical Society