A Chemical and Theoretical Way to Look at Bonding on Surfaces.
Abstract
An account is given of a theoretical approach to surface structure and reactivity that is within the framework of solid state theory, yet strives for chemical ways of interpretation. One begins then from highly delocalized band structures, but introduces interpretational tools (density of states decompositions, crystal orbital overlap populations) that allow a tracing of local, chemical acts. It is quite feasible to construct interaction diagrams for surfaces, and to make frontier orbital arguments, just as for molecules. There are some interesting ways in which the surface-adsorbate interaction differs from simple molecular binding - in particular, in the way that two-orbital four- and zero-electron interactions can turn into bonding. The surface and bulk acting as a reservoir of electrons or holes at the Fermi level are import in this context. Chemisorption emerges as a compromise in a continuum of bonding whose extremes are dissociative adsorption and surface reconstruction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA182547
Entities
People
- Roald Hoffmann
Organizations
- Cornell Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics