X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of FeP phosphide

The structure of the outer and inner electron spectra of iron (2p, 3p, 3s, and 3d) and phosphorus (3s and 3p) atoms in FeP monophosphide is studied in detail by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) method. On the basis of the analysis of the binding energy of electrons, as well as the parameters characterizing the structure of experimental spectra, a conclusion is made that Fe³⁺ (d ⁵) cations in FeP are stabilized in a state with intermediate value of the total spin (IS, S = 3/2). The range of values of intra-atomic parameters (10Dq, J _H ) is established in which the consideration of the high degree of covalence of Fe–P bonds may lead to the stabilization of (FeP₆)^15– clusters in the IS state.