Enhanced oxygen binding through surface mediated ionic bonds

► Examined a single Pd and single O atom supported on rutile TiO2(110). ► Each species obtains charge state due to interactions with rutile surface. ► The two oppositely charged species interact through a Coulomb interaction. ► The Coulomb interaction varies slowly with increasing Pd-O separation. ► The result is a long range ionic interaction mediated by the semiconducting surface.