Weibull distribution and kinetics of heterogeneous processes

Abstract

The rate equation Qt/Q∞ = 1 − e−btn, where Qt/Q∞ is the fractional yield of an interface reaction at time t, was shown to be formally analogous to the Weibull distribution functions. Further correlation between the Weibull and the normal distributions did allow for a direct statistical interpretation of surface processes. Rates are thus defined by the well known parameters μ and σ. Geometrically incompatible processes were standardized on the basis of the exponent n and the shape parameter β of the Weibull distribution. For 3<n<4, processes obeyed the normal distribution, and for n<0.7, they obeyed the log normal distribution. By using the linearized probability plots, ambiguities imposed by the multiple logarithming of the above rate equation are avoided.