CO Adsorption on Cu(110): Electronic vs. Phononic Energy Dissipation
Analysis
This paper investigates the energy dissipation mechanisms during CO adsorption on a copper surface, comparing the roles of lattice vibrations (phonons) and electron-hole pair excitations (electronic friction). It uses computational simulations to determine which mechanism dominates the adsorption process and how they influence the molecule's behavior. The study is important for understanding surface chemistry and catalysis, as it provides insights into how molecules interact with surfaces and dissipate energy, which is crucial for chemical reactions to occur.
Key Takeaways
- •Phonons (lattice vibrations) are the primary energy dissipation channel during CO adsorption on Cu(110).
- •Electronic friction plays a minor role in determining initial adsorption probabilities.
- •Electronic friction becomes more significant once the molecule is trapped near the surface, accelerating thermalization.
- •Faster energy dissipation due to electronic friction promotes accommodation in the chemisorption well but doesn't significantly affect lateral movement.
Reference
“The molecule mainly transfers energy to lattice vibrations, and this channel determines the adsorption probabilities, with electronic friction playing a minor role.”