For collisions of molecules and ions in the gas and plasma phases, the ideas of collision and reaction cross sections are well established. The same ideas have not found firm ground in collision of gas phase or plasma species with surfaces. In this contribution, I will first illustrate where the term cross section has appeared in the gas-surface literature and how it should be interpreted, specifically in terms of catalysis. Subsequently, I will discuss how we have recently learned to use curved single crystal surfaces to determine collision cross sections leading to molecular sticking and for elementary dissociation of diatomics. Examples include H2 and O2 in collision with Ni and Pt surfaces.

Collision and reaction cross sections in gas-surface interactions

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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