Understanding automotive exhaust catalysis : reaction and interaction between CO and NO on the surface of Rh(100)

The reaction between NO and COon a Rh(100) single crystal surface has been studied by a combination of experimental techniques: Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED), Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) and Reflection Absorption Infrared Spectroscopy (RA[RS). We have looked at interactions between CO, NO and its decomposition products N and 0 under reactive conditions by linking adsorption site changes to reactivity towards CO2. NO, N and O destablizes CO due to repulsive lateral interactions, since CO changes adsorption site fiom top to the less stable bridge site and CO2 formation occurs at lower temperatures at increased surface coverages