H2 and H adsorption on Cu surfaces and nanorows is studied by density functional theory.
A method to calculate nanorow line energy is presented.
H2 adsorption and dissociation are found not to be governed by the site coordination.
Dispersive forces are found to play a determinant role in H2 adsorption and dissociation.
Cu(100) surfaces or facets are found to be necessary to scissor H2.