Abstract
The test of the validity of the Fromhold-Cook theory of metal oxidation for the system in the tunnel regime is impeded by the growth of a passivating double layer at . However, during an intermediate anneal step at , the is reduced to . The oxidation rate of this annealed layer is in agreement with the Fromhold-Cook theory. At room temperature, the ionic current is rate limiting. For , the thermionic emission of electrons is rate limiting for oxygen coverages larger than .
- Received 8 October 1999
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.3366
©2000 American Physical Society