The adsorption of and reaction of NO2 on Ag(1 1 1)-p(4 × 4)-O and formation of surface nitrate

The adsorption and reaction of nitrogen dioxide on the Ag(1 1 1)-p(4 × 4)-O surface has been investigated with RAIRS, TPRS and STM. At 300 K NO2 initially reacts with the oxygen overlayer to form nitrate in p(3 × 3) and p(4 × 4) structures, which convert to a new p(3 × 3) at saturation coverage. Surface pitting during nitrate adsorption is suggestive of the incorporation of silver atoms into the NO3 structure. With heating NO3 decomposes into NO2 and O at 396 K and 497 K, and oxygen desorbs at 578 K.