The adsorption of methanol n-mers with n = 1−4 on the MgO(100) surface has been investigated by means
of density functional theory (DFT) cluster model calculations. Two different configurations have been found
for dimers, trimers, and tetramers. In both cases, a trend to adopt a cyclic structure was observed. The more
stable configuration of the adsorbed tetramer has a geometrical structure similar to that of the free tetramer.
The properties of the aggregates have been monitored by computing adsorption energies, interaction energies,
NBO charges, and the optimal geometry. The adsorption energy per component molecule of the methanol
n-mer is always greater than that of only one molecule. The interaction energy between methanol molecules
is related to the presence of dipolar interactions. They act directly between the molecules or are mediated
through the substrate. Our theoretical results suggest that the methanol monolayer should have a compact
structure. A very good agreement was obtained with the experimental data.
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