Fast deuterium molecules desorbing from metals

The velocity distribution of D₂ desorbing from Pd(100) reveals the existence of two distinct groups of molecules, fast and slow ones. A new mechanism is proposed for the desorption of the molecules belonging to the fast group: after diffusing to the surface, absorbed D atoms recombine directly, without equilibrating in the chemisorption well. The fast molecules observed in the D₂ desorption spectra from Cu and Ni seem to desorb through the same mechanism. In the case of Pd this mechanism is controlled by adsorbed sulphur.