Simple model for associative desorption and dissociative chemisorption

Abstract

A simple model for associative desorption has been developed. When viewed in the context of detailed balance, this model yields the same equation as the empirical ansatz used by the experimental community to describe sticking and associative desorption. This allows a better understanding of how to relate the parameters obtained in fits to experiments with theory. This model is also used to examine the dynamical consequences of placing the barrier to dissociation far along the vibrational coordinate.