Configuration change of NO on Cu(110) as a function of temperature

Partial reduction of NO to N2O on Cu{311}: role of intermediate N2O2

Reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and first-principles density functional theory (DFT) combine to suggest a pathway for NOx reduction on Cu{311} involving a flat-lying N2O2 intermediate.

A flat-lying dimer as a key intermediate in NO reduction on Cu(100)

The reaction of nitric oxide (NO) on Cu(100) is studied by scanning tunneling microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. The NO molecules adsorb mainly as monomers at 64 K, and react and dissociate to yield oxygen atoms on the surface at ∼70 K. The temperature required for the dissociation is significantly low for Cu(100), compared to those for Cu(111) and Cu(110). The minimum energy pathway of the reaction is via (NO)2 formation, which converts into a flat-lying ONNO and then dissociates into N2O and O with a considerably low activation energy. We propose that the formation of (NO)2 and flat-lying ONNO is the key to the exceptionally high reactivity of NO on Cu(100).

Torque-Induced Change in Configuration of a Single NO Molecule on Cu(110)

We demonstrated that a nitric oxide (NO) molecule on Cu(110) acts as an "ON-OFF-ON toggle switch" that can be turned on and off by repulsive force and electron injection, respectively. On the surface, NO molecules exist in three configurations: flat along the [001] direction (ON), upright (OFF), and flat along [001[over ¯]] (ON). An NO-functionalized tip, which was characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy and inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy, can convert an upright NO adsorbate into a flat-lying NO. Atomic force microscopy and a simulation of the interactions between the NO molecules reveal that a repulsive force not aligned with the N-O bond provides the torque that detrudes the NO toggle; i.e., the upright NO adsorbate is tilted away from the tip. Therefore, the NO adsorbate behaves as a nonvolatile sensor for the detection of locally applied repulsive torque.

The adsorption and activation of NO on silver clusters with sizes up to one nanometer: interactions dominated by electron transfer from silver to NO

Evidence for NO unitary adsorption, the formation of (NO)₂ and the reduction to form N₂O is observed on silver clusters with sizes up to one nanometer. The adsorption and activation of NO are enhanced by electron transfer from silver to NO.