Statistical rate theory of interfacial transport. IV. Predicted rate of dissociative adsorption

The statistical rate theory approach is used to derive the expression for the rate at which a diatomic gas dissociatively adsorbs on a solid surface. By comparing the predictions with available experimental evidence it is possible to examine one of the central assumptions in the statistical rate theory. The predictions were found to be in close agreement with two independent sets of experimental results; thus giving support to the basic assumption of the statistical rate theory. The close agreement extended throughout the experimental period; thereby making this approach an improvement over the presently available theories.