Dispersion (materials science)

The dispersion D in the surface chemistry is defined as

With: number of atoms at the surface and: total number ( engl. bulk) of the atoms in the solid / nanoparticles / clusters

The dispersion is the ratio of surface atoms to total atoms of a solid or nanoparticle. In closest-packing of atoms, the dispersion of the number of atoms decreases.

Example

A cluster consisting of four tetrahedrally arranged spherical atoms would be for example, D = 100%, here because each atom is a surface atom.

Dispersion in adsorption to surfaces

Wherein the dispersion of surface adsorption depends on the strength of interaction of the adsorbate with the surface.

• Low dispersion occurs when the interaction between the adsorbed particles with one another is stronger than with the surface.
• High dispersion occurs when the adsorbed particles stronger interaction with the surface go down as with their peers.

• Dispersion (chemistry)