Carbon monoxide dissociation on planar and stepped Ru(0001) surfaces

The direct dissociation of CO on the Ru(0001) surface at two coverages (11.1% and 25.0%) is studied, as well as the dissociation of CO on a stepped Ru(0001) surface. Five reaction paths are studied on the planar most compact surface and four on the stepped surfaces. The indirect route for CO dissociation via the insertion of an H atom is presented for the planar surface, as well as the Boudouard reaction for the stepped surface.