Parameter estimation by Density Functional Theory for a lattice-gas model of Br and Cl chemisorption on Ag (1 0 0)

We study Bromine and Chlorine chemisorption on a Ag (1 0 0) surface, using a lattice-gas model and the quantum-mechanical Density Functional Theory (DFT) method. In this model the Br and Cl ions adsorb at the fourfold hollow sites of the Ag (1 0 0) surface, which can be represented by a square lattice of adsorption sites. Five different coverages were used for each kind of adsorbate. For each adsorbate and coverage, we obtained the minimum-energy configuration, its energy, and its charge distribution. From these data we calculated dipole moments, lateral interaction energies, and binding energies. Our results show that for Br the lateral interactions obtained by fitting to the adsorption energies obtained from the DFT calculation are consistent with long-range dipole–dipole lateral interactions obtained using the dipole moments calculated from the DFT charge distribution. For Cl we found that, while the long-range dipole–dipole lateral interactions are important, short-range attractive interactions are also present. Our results are overall consistent with parameter estimates previously obtained by fitting room-temperature Monte Carlo simulations to electrochemical adsorption isotherms [I. Abou Hamad, et al., J. Electroanal. Chem. 554 (2003) 211; Electrochim. Acta 50 (2005) 5518].

► From DFT calculations of Br/Ag(100) and Cl/Ag(100), adsorption energies and charge distributions are obtained.
► Total lateral interaction energies are calculated by fitting a lattice-gas model to the adsorption energies. Dipole-dipole interactions are calculated from the charge distributions.
► Lateral interaction energies are consistent with dipole-dipole interactions.
► For Cl/Ag(100), there are additional short-range interactions.