A model surface reaction on stepped surfaces

Lattice gas models are ideal for studying the properties of adsorbates on inhomogeneous surfaces. The primary technique for examining these models, Monte Carlo simulations, is often very computationally expensive. We introduce an approximate theory that is well suited to rapidly determining qualitative behaviours of lattice gases on inhomogeneous surfaces. This method is used to examine the effect of steps and kinks on the well-studied A + B-2 model reaction. This reaction exhibits a discontinuous and continuous kinetic phase transition on a perfect surface. We show how these transitions behave as a function of terrace width, step orientation, and surface diffusion rate.