Density functional theory for adsorption of HCHO on the FeO(100) surface

The density functional theory (DFT) and periodic slab model were used to get information concerning the adsorption of HCHO on the FeO(100) surface. A preferred η2-(C,O)-di-σ four-membered ring adsorption conformation on the Fe-top site was found to be the most favorable structure with the predicted adsorption energy of 210.7 kJ/mol. The analysis of density of states, Mulliken population, and vibrational frequencies before and after adsorption showed clear weakening of the carbonyl bond, and high sp3 character on the carbon atom.