adatom
AD-uh-tom
Definition
An atom that has adsorbed onto a surface, resting on top of the surface layer rather than being incorporated into the crystal lattice structure.
Etymology
The word is a portmanteau of the words 'adsorbed' and 'atom', coined in the mid-20th century to describe particles that have become attached to a surface layer.
In the news
In this article, 'adatom' is used to identify one of the three specific locations where oxygen atoms settle on a copper surface during the initial phases of oxidation. Distinguishing these surface atoms from those embedded in the material is crucial to understanding why the copper surface remains chemically metallic despite high oxygen content.
Why Does Copper Oxidize? Scientists Uncover Surprising Behavior That's Useful in Nuclear Waste Storage
Read the full article ↗International Business Times, Singapore Edition