The self-diffusion of Pt on the missing-row reconstructed (110) surface was discussed in terms of density functional calculations of the activation energy barriers. Various competing diffusion mechanisms were considered, and it was shown that several different diffusion paths along the reconstruction troughs were of importance. The analysis led to another interpretation of previously observed double jumps at the (110) surface. It was found that, as well as the usual so-called direct diffusion path, a so-called facet path could also be important to the diffusion of Pt adatoms on the missing rows. This suggested a possible explanation of the observed double jumps in terms of a series of elementary diffusion steps on the facet, rather than a correlated diffusion process along the so-called direct path.

Mechanisms of Self-Diffusion on Pt(110). H.T.Lorensen, J.K.Nørskov, K.W.Jacobsen: Physical Review B, 1999, 60[8], R5149-52