Density-functional-theory calculations of molecular nitrogen on ruthenium cluster

Abstract

Density-functional-theory calculations for the adsorption of molecular nitrogen on ruthenium surface are reported. It is found that nitrogen molecule is adsorbed while standing perpendicular to the triangular surface of ruthenium. The doping by K atoms favours the adsorption of molecular nitrogen. The calculation of the adsorption energy has also been performed on iron and osmium clusters which shows that ruthenium adsorbs better than iron or osmium. It is found that potential for atomic nitrogen is deeper and more stable than that of molecular nitrogen and hence atomic nitrogen is important for catalysis.