Introduction to Surface Chemistry and Catalysis

by Gabor A. Somorjai

Describes the present state of modern surface science, and is also a reference source for data and concepts related to properties of surfaces and interfaces. Focuses on the qualities of solid-gas and solid-vacuum interfaces. Discusses local attributes of surface atoms and molecules, atomic structures, chemical bonding, absorptions, catalysis and mechanical properties. Presents molecular understanding of surface phenomena and relates it to macroscopic surface properties.

694 pages, Hardcover

First published March 18, 1994

About the author

Gabor A. Somorjai was a Hungarian-born American professor of chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, and was a leading researcher in the field of surface chemistry and catalysis, especially the catalytic effects of metal surfaces on gas-phase reactions ("heterogeneous catalysis"). For his contributions to the field, Somorjai won the Wolf Prize in Chemistry in 1998, the Linus Pauling Award in 2000, the National Medal of Science in 2002, the Priestley Medal in 2008, the 2010 BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Basic Science and the NAS Award in Chemical Sciences in 2013. In April 2015, Somorjai was awarded the American Chemical Society's William H. Nichols Medal.