An in situ method including mass spectrometry and labeled gases is presented and used to gain information on adsorption of molecules at high temperatures (>300 degreesC). Isotopic exchange rate in H-2 upon exposure to an oxidized zicaloy-2 sample and exchange rate in CO upon exposure to various materials have been measured. From these measurements, molecular dissociation rates in respective system have been calculated. The influence of CO and N-2 on the uptake rate of H-2 in zirconium and oxidized zicaloy-2 is discussed in terms of tendency for adsorption at high temperatures. In the case of oxidized Cr exposed to CO gas With C-12, C-13, O-16 and O-18, the influence of H2O is investigated with respect to dissociation of CO molecules. The presented data supports a view of different tendencies for molecular adsorption of H2O, CO, N-2, and H-2 molecules on surfaces at high temperatures. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.