Recombination of atoms at surfaces. Part 12.—Nitrogen atoms at some metal and alloy surfaces

Abstract

The recombination coefficients for the recombination of nitrogen atoms on the surface of a number of metals and alloys have been measured using Smith's side-arm method. The constancy of activity for palladium, silver and a 50/50 alloys shows that d-band vacancies are unimportant. The results for Fe, Ni, Cu and Ni/Cu alloys suggest that with these materials a surface nitrate is formed and its properties are important in controlling the activity.