Understanding the mechanism of H atom absorption in the Pd(1Â 1Â 0) surface

The underlying mechanism of H atom absorption in the Pd(1 1 0) (1 × 2) missing-row reconstructed surface is investigated by performing density functional theory based calculations. The stronger binding energy of H on ridge than on trough site of the missing-row surface is due to the more pronounced creation of derived bonding state as had been depicted from the electronic structure of the system. Hydrogen absorption takes place with the involvement of other incoming H atoms through an assisted absorption process that is facilitated by the repulsion between the incoming H and the absorbing H. The geometry of the missing-row surface enables the Pd atoms to accommodate the H atoms efficiently leading to H absorption as well as H2 dissociation.