A model potential for chemisorption: H2+W(001)

Abstract

A potential function to describe the interaction of a diatomic molecule with a solid surface is formulated as a modified LEPS potential. The surface is approximated by a rigid background potential, periodic in the plane of the surface. It is assumed that the individual atom–atom and atom–surface potentials are known and can be reasonably approximated by Morse functions. H2+W (001) is presented as an example. One adjustable Sato parameter is introduced and by varying this parameter a wide range of potentials can be generated. The functional form is sufficiently simple so that classical trajectory studies of the reaction dynamics are feasible. Several illustrative trajectories are presented.