The adsorption and desorption of water on single crystal MgO(100): The role of surface defects

Abstract

Adsorption and desorption of water on well-ordered and sputter-damaged single crystal MgO(100) surfaces were studied by a combination of molecular beam reflection and temperature programmed desorption techniques. Adsorption exhibits precursor-mediated kinetics and desorption exhibits a strong dependence on substrate treatment, demonstrating the importance of surface defects.