Molecular geometry modifications upon adsorption for N2O: N and O K-edge NEXAFS

The interaction of a monolayer and submonolayer N2O with the Cu(100) and Ag (110) surfaces has been studied using near-edge X-ray absorption fine struc ture spectroscopy. From a detailed analysis of the angular dependent intens ity of the molecular resonances we derive a substrate and coverage dependen t bent of the N2O molecules upon adsorption. From the comparison of the pi ' resonance intensity from the terminal N-t, and central N-c nitrogen atoms we conclude that the N2O molecules couple with the Cu surface through the terminal N-t atom in contrast to the Ag surface where the N-c atom is invol ved. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.