The interaction of NO with the reconstructed Au(100) surface was studied. Using variable temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy, formation of the unreconstructed phase of Au(100) after NO exposure was observed. This NO adsorption-induced phase transition was observed only in a window of temperatures around 170K, which suggests that this process was slightly activated. Under the same conditions, CO and O2 cannot drive the phase transition, indicating weaker interaction. Thermal desorption spectroscopy experiments provide an estimate of the strength of NO chemisorption on Au(100) of 57kJ/mol.

Lifting of the Au(100) Surface Reconstruction by NO Chemisorptions. E.D.L.Rienks, G.P.van Berkel, J.W.Bakker, B.E.Nieuwenhuys: Surface Science, 2004, 571[1-3], 187-93