Random sequential adsorption onto the surface of small spheres

The irreversible random sequential adsorption of spherical particles onto the surface of a spherical substrate was investigated by Monte Carlo simulation. The planar angle α subtended by the adsorbate particles on the substrate ranged from 22.5° to the tetrahedral value of 109.47°. Results are reported both at fixed coverage and at fixed time. The average maximum coverage θmax, which peaks at α=90°, is compared to known close-packed densities for the geometries considered. The applicability of Feder’s limiting law, expressing the time dependence of the coverage as proportional to t−1/2, is confirmed for α≤90°. For α≥109.47°, a t−2/3 dependence is found instead.