We performed density-functional theory calculations for Na on Al(001) for various coverages from a very low concentration up to a monolayer. From the results we predict that for low coverages the Na atoms occupy on-surface hollow sites which is the stable geometry, but for higher coverages this is only metastable; the stable geometry is reached through a phase transition to a condensed c(2×2) structure where the Na atoms are in surface substitutional sites (contrary to previously suggested models). The mechanism which actuates the island formation with a substitutional geometry is described and the differences to the substitutional adsorption of alkali metals on Al(111) are discussed.
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Stampfl et al. (1994) studied this question.