Can a silver atom be physisorbed to its surface?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physisorption and chemisorption of atoms on metal surfaces, specifically focusing on silver. It establishes that activation energy is required for chemisorption, while physisorption occurs through van der Waals forces when an atom lacks sufficient energy. The interaction is influenced by the overlap of electron wavefunctions, which can repel metal atoms until electrons are delocalized. The conversation also highlights that the fraction of surface atoms that are chemisorbed versus physisorbed depends on the surface's history and conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of physisorption and chemisorption mechanisms
  • Knowledge of van der Waals forces
  • Familiarity with electron wavefunctions and their interactions
  • Basic principles of surface science and metal interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research activation energy in chemisorption processes
  • Study the role of electron wavefunction overlap in surface interactions
  • Explore the effects of surface history on adsorption characteristics
  • Investigate the differences between physisorption and chemisorption in various metals
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in surface science, materials scientists, and chemists studying adsorption phenomena on metal surfaces, particularly those interested in the behavior of silver and similar metals.

rrg92
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Hi all,If there is activation energy for chemisorption, then an atom with insufficient energy to overcome that barrier will remain physisorbed to the surface via van der Waals forces. I would like to further understand this activation energy in terms of, for example, the overlap of electron wavefunctions that repels a metal atom from the surface, until eventually these electrons are forced to higher energy levels and become delocalized (… if that’s how it works to begin with). Would that mean a fraction of the surface atoms are chemisorbed, and the remaining fraction is physisorbed? What is the strength of this activation energy?
 
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rrg92 said:
If there is activation energy for chemisorption
rrg92 said:
What is the strength of this activation energy?
You say, "silver." On a silver surface? It's going to depend upon the history of the surface plus ... ?
 
Bystander said:
You say, "silver." On a silver surface? It's going to depend upon the history of the surface plus ... ?
It doesn't have to be silver, it was just an example. My question is for the interaction of an atom with its condensed solid phase, specifically for metals.
 

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