Ion beam modification of catalytic properties of solids

Abstract

The paper reviews the experimental results concerning the ion-beam modification of adsorption and catalytic properties of solid surfaces, with ion implantation as well as ion mixing and ion deposition being analyzed. The effects of ion implantation on the electrocatalytic activity of electrode materials are generalized. Various available mechanisms of ion-beam modifications of surface properties are also analysed. Ion implantation dynamic collision effects are also specific effects, which depend on the nature of implanted ions, are considered. It is concluded that in order to interpret experimental data properly it is necessary to take into account the electronic structure of modified surface and especially that of implanted dopants. The fruitfulness of this approach is demonstrated in the case of transition metal ions interaction with carbon electrodes.