Temperature dependence of D atom adsorption on polycrystalline tungsten

•The first experimental results on thermal dependence of D atom adsorption on polycrystalline W, obtained by in situ ERDA.•The thermoadsorption method was introduced and described in detail.•Isotope exchange on polycrystalline W was studied.•A numerical model adequate for present experimental procedure was used and upgraded, with all relevant surface processes.•Surface densities of D, desorption/adsorption energies and atom reflection coefficient were determined for W.