Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Written specifically for undergraduates, this book conveys the fundamental concepts of surface chemistry. It describes solid surfaces, their properties at macroscopic and microscopic levels and their interrelation, and reflects the striking advances made in recent years through the study of well defined single crystal surfaces. It begins with a discussion of the clean surface, its electronic and structural properties and goes on to describe adsorption, desorption, reactions and reactivity at the surface. In the final section, the growth and properties of ultrathin films is introduced. Starting with the established concepts in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics, the book develops to look at phenomena such as surface dynamics and photochemistry. Important techniques which are applied to surfaces are also covered, but this is a concept-driven rather than technique-driven approach.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

McCash writes for undergraduate students, and presumably beginning graduate students, to teach them the basics of modern, surface chemistry. She introduces surface structure, bonding, the experiments and theory of absorption and desorption, surface reaction mechanisms (including heterogeneous atmospheric chemistry), and preparation and properties of ultra thin films. The first part of the book introduces surfaces and the language of surfaces, including defining variables that are used in later chapters. Anyone who needs a more rigorous introduction to surface chemistry or a more in-depth understanding of the experimental techniques can consult the list of up-to-date reference books in the back. Readers will get the most out of this book if they understand some quantum mechanics. Recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty or researchers who need a general introduction to the field of surface chemistry. J. A. Bartz Kalamazoo College

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Elaine McCash, Dept. Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, YO1 5DD emm2@york.ac.uk