Reactive scattering from solid surfaces

Molecular beam scattering studies of reactive processes on solid surfaces have been conducted for two decades. This article presents an overview of reactive scattering, together with a brief description of the experimental requirements and a discussion of the data analysis in molecular beam relaxation spectrometry. A critical review is given of the reactive scattering studies performed to date of several catalytic reactions on metal surfaces: adsorption and desorption of hydrogen, CO and NO and the oxidation of CO and hydrogen. Also reviewed are several additional catalytic reactions, and reactions between gases and solids to form volatile products. Emphasis throughout is on the insights into the kinetics and dynamics of elementary surface reactions obtainable using molecular beam techniques.