Using the reverse flash (RF) method the sticking coefficient and binding energy of CO molecules on Rh(?OO) are obtained for CO surface densities up to 1.2 x 10(15) cm(-2). The presence of weakly bound CO molecules with a binding energy of 0.34 eV is detected at n > 1.0 x 10(15) cm(-2). Mass-to-charge-resolved retarding potential analysis of CO+ emitted from Rh(100) is performed and absolute values of CO+ field ion appearance energy obtained. By applying a thermionic cycle field-dependent values of the binding energy of CO/Rh(100) at high coverages are obtained. A comparison of field-free (RF) results and field ion appearance energy spectroscopy (FIAES) data reveals the weakly bound (field-stabilized) CO layer as the origin of CO+ field ions emitted from Rh(100) for field ion imaging. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.