This book is dedicated to recent advancements in theoretical and
computational studies on the interactions of hydrogen and hydrogenated
molecules with metal surfaces. These studies are driven by the
development of high-performance computers, new experimental findings,
and the extensive work of technological applications towards the
realization of a sustainable hydrogen economy. Understanding of the
elementary processes of physical and chemical reactions on the atomic
scale is important in the discovery of new materials with high chemical
reactivity and catalytic activity, as well as high stability and
durability. From this point of view, the book focuses on the behavior of
hydrogen and hydrogenated molecules on flat, stepped, and reconstructed
metal surfaces. It also tackles the quantum mechanical properties of
hydrogen and related adsorbates; namely, molecular orbital angular
momentum (spin) and diffusion along the minimum potential energy
landscape on metal surfaces. All of these profoundly influence the
outcomes of (1) catalytic reactions that involve hydrogen; (2) hydrogen
storage in metals; and (3) hydrogen purification membranes. Lastly, it
surveys the current status of the technology, outlook, and challenges
for the long-desired sustainable hydrogen economy in relation to the
topics covered in the book.