Coexistence of precursor and direct dynamics: The sticking of O2 on a Pt(111) surface

Abstract
The initial sticking coefficient (probability for dissociative chemisorption) has been measured for O2 on a Pt(111) surface as a function of initial energy, incident angle, and surface temperature using molecular beam techniques. The results reveal two distinct mechanisms for sticking; precursor mediated and direct dissociation, either of which can dominate depending upon the initial adsorption conditions.