Quantum diffusion of H on Pt(111): step effects.

Using a linear optical diffraction technique, we have systematically investigated the defect effects on quantum surface diffusion of hydrogen on Pt(111) surfaces. The quantum tunneling effect was clearly observed for hydrogen diffusion at low temperatures as manifested by a leveling off of the diffusion coefficient on flat surfaces. The strong influence of surface defects on the quantum diffusion is in good agreement with the creation of an inhomogeneous surface with adsorption sites of different binding energies.