Kinetic Phase Transitions in an Irreversible Surface-Reaction Model

An irreversible kinetic surface-reaction model, based upon the reaction of carbon monoxide and oxygen on a catalyst surface, is presented. It is found by computer simulation that the adsorbed molecules on the surface undergo both first- and second-order kinetic phase transitions. These transitions correspond to the "poisoning" phenomenon seen on catalysts. Interesting transient and periodic behavior is also seen.