Adsorption and dissociation of diatomic molecules on transition-metal surfaces

The interaction between transition-metal surfaces and simple diatomic molecules (CO, NO, H2, N2 and O2) may lead to the breaking and making of chemical bonds and trigger important surface-catalysed reactions. We discuss the most common surface interaction and orientation models and consider the electronic structure of the transition metal, and the influence of structure, bonding and coordination of the diatomic molecule. We emphasize the importance of the tilted precursor in the dissociation of diatomic molecules on transition-metal surfaces.