Molecular adsorbates at single-crystal platinum-group metals and bimetallic surfaces.

The surface orientation of Pt-group metals determines the kind of organic species (such as CO, benzene and ethene) that will adsorb on them as well as the prevailing reaction channels. Pt and Pd as well as (sub) monolayers of them on Au are compared, including mono- and multiatomic rows of Pd on stepped Au surfaces. In general, Pd is less active for oxidation or hydrogenation of the adsorbates. Desorption of the intact molecule is favored because of a lower adsorption strength.