Simulation of thermal desorption spectra of N2 observed during N2O decomposition on Rh(1 0 0)

Our measurements indicate that under temperature-programmed conditions the N2O decomposition occurs on Rh(1 0 0) between 60 and 140 K and results in the appearance of two N2 desorption peaks related to N2 molecules leaving the surface during and after N2O dissociation events, respectively. Both peaks are observed even at low initial coverages. This and other features of N2 desorption are explained by using Monte Carlo simulations taking into account attractive N2O–O lateral interactions stabilizing N2O adsorption. The results presented are compared with those obtained earlier for Rh(1 1 0).