Intrinsic redox states of polyaniline studied by high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

High-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) measurements of the various intrinsic redox states of polyaniline (PANI), using a monochromatized Al—Kα source, were carried out. The presence of the imine, amine and positively charged nitrogen species corresponding to a particular intrinsic redox state and protonation level of the polymer was resolved quantitatively and unambiguously. The result confirmed the peak assignments of former XPS core-level studies using the lower resolution non-monochromatized Mg—Kα X-ray source. Thus, the high-resolution XPS using a monochromatized Al—Kα X-ray source is a truly unique tool for the convenient and quantitative analysis of the various intrinsic redox states of PANI. Received: 16 May 2000/Accepted: 29 August 2000     

A X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of HDTMAB distribution within organoclays

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in combination with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HRTG) has been used to investigate the surfactant distribution within the organoclays prepared at different surfactant concentrations. This study demonstrates that the surfactant distribution within the organoclays depends strongly on the surfactant loadings. In the organoclays prepared at relative low surfactant concentrations, the surfactant cations mainly locate in the clay interlayer, whereas the surfactants occupy both the clay interlayer space and the interparticle pores in the organoclays prepared at high surfactant concentrations. This is in accordance with the dramatic pore volume decrease of organoclays compared to those of starting clays. XPS survey scans show that, at low surfactant concentration (<1.0 CEC), the ion exchange between Na⁺ and HDTMA⁺ is dominant, whereas both cations and ion pairs occur in the organoclays prepared at high concentrations (>1.0 CEC). High-resolution XPS spectra show that the modification of clay with surfactants has prominent influences on the binding energies of the atoms in both clays and surfactants, and nitrogen is the most sensitive to the surfactant distribution within the organoclays.     

Pressure-dependent band-bending in ZnO:A near-ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study

ZnO-based catalysts have been intensively studied because of their extraordinary performance in lower olefin synthesis,methanol synthesis and water-gas shift re...     

A study of the 1s core region of atomic magnesium by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The 1s core region of atomic magnesium has been measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using AlKα (1486.6 eV) radiation in order to determine the energy and intensity of the main satellite corresponding to 3_s → 4_s excitation accompanying core ionization. It was found to lie at 11.56 eV higher bonding energy than the main 1s?1 peak, with a relative intensity of 17%. The accent ab initio Cl calculation of Kosugi and Kuroda gives a separation which is in good agreement with experiment but somewhat overestimates the relative intensity.     

Site-sensitive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of Fe3O4 by photoelectron diffraction

Fe 2p core-level photoelectron spectra of magnetite were measured using soft X-ray and hard X-ray, and its emission angle dependence was investigated. The photoelectron diffraction pattern from different atomic sites differs because the atomic arrangement surrounding each site is different. By selecting the forward-focusing-peak (FFP) directions characteristic to each atomic site and measuring the kinetic energy dependence of the FFP intensities at the Fe 2p core-level range, we succeed in detecting the variation of the peak intensity of Fe 2p core-level spectra at different emission directions. This result, consistent with recent results, suggests that the lower-binding-energy peak of the Fe 2p core-level spectrum may be assigned as the B site component.     

The determination of local structural units in amorphous SiBN3C by means of X-ray photoelectron and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the K-edge of Si, N, and B are presented as techniques suited to determine structural units in amorphous SiBN(3)C. The measurements reported give evidence for the presence of tetrahedral (SiN(4))- and planar (BN(3))-groups. It is concluded that these structural elements dominate the atomic surroundings of B and Si, respectively. From the spectroscopic results we conclude that C is mainly bonded to N and is not present as a pure carbide.     

A flotation related X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of the oxidation of galena surface

The initial steps of the oxidation of galena (PbS) surface with special attention to the oxidation in an aqueous environment were investigated by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy method (XPS). Galena monocrystals from two different sources were cleaved and exposed to either air or an aqueous environment. The results show that the presence of organic contamination at the galena surface may exert a dramatic effect on the course of its surface oxidation. In the case of aerial oxidation, the presence of impurities changes the reaction path, suppressing the oxidation of sulfide sulfur to sulfate like species selectively. In the case of aqueous oxidation, the presence of organic contamination at the surface (this contaminants are supposed to be mainly the carboxylic acids and their salts) inhibits the oxidation. Very little oxidation products were found on the galena surface contacted with aqueous solutions at the spontaneously established potential, in accordance with the congruent dissolution-oxidation mechanism.     

Study of air pollution particulates by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Summary This paper discusses the application of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to the determination of the chemical composition of sulfur and nitrogen species in air pollution particulates. Core electron chemical shift measurements are augmented by the determination of relative concentrations and volatility of particulate species.

---

Untersuchung von Verunreinigungsteilchen in der Luft durch Röntgenphotoelektronen-Spektroskopie

Zusammenfassung Die Anwendung der Röntgenphotoelektronen-Spektroskopie auf die Bestimmung der chemischen Zusammensetzung von Schwefel und Stickstoff enthaltenden Verunreinigungsteilchen in Luft wird diskutiert. Messungen der chemischen Verschiebung werden ergänzt durch die Bestimmung der relativen Konzentrationen und der Flüchtigkeit der Verbindungen.

Presented at the 6th Annual Symposium on Recent Advances in the Analytical Chemistry of Pollutants, April 21–23, 1976; Vienna, Austria.     

Structural study of self-assembled monolayers of ferrocenylalkanethiols on gold by angleresolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

An angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic study has been performed on structures of self-assembling systems, viz ferrocenylthiols on a gold (111) crystal. The angular dependence of the intensities of photoemission reveals that ferrocenyl groups are on the outermost layer, separated from the gold substrate by hydrocarbon chains of the thiol groups.     

Characterization of lithium alkyl carbonates by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: experimental and theoretical study

Lithium alkyl carbonates ROCO2Li result from the reductive decomposition of dialkyl carbonates, which are the organic solvents used in the electrolytes of common lithium-ion batteries. They play a crucial role in the formation of surface layers at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. In this work, we report on the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization of synthesized lithium methyl and ethyl carbonates. Using Hartree-Fock ab initio calculations, we interpret and simulate the valence spectra of both samples, as well as several other Li alkyl carbonates involved in Li-ion batteries. We show that Li alkyl carbonates can be identified at the electrode's surface by a combined analysis of XPS core peaks and valence spectra.     

Decomposition and oxidation of methanol on platinum: A study by in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and mass spectrometry

The reactions of the catalytic oxidation and decomposition of methanol on the atomically smooth and high-defect Pt(111) single-crystal surfaces were studied using in situ temperature-programmed reaction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the decomposition of methanol on both of the surfaces occurred via two reaction pathways: complete dehydrogenation to CO and decomposition with the C-O bond cleavage. Although the rate of reaction via the latter pathway was lower than the rate of dehydrogenation by three orders of magnitude, the carbon formed as a result of the C-O bond cleavage can be accumulated on the surface of platinum to prevent the further course of the reaction. It was shown that oxygen exhibits high activity toward the formed carbon deposits. As a result, the rate of methanol conversion in the presence of oxygen in a gas phase increased by one or two orders of magnitude; in this case, CO₂ and water appeared in the composition of the reaction products as a result of the oxidation of CO and hydrogen, respectively. The high-defect surface of platinum was more active in the reactions of methanol decomposition and oxidation than the atomically smooth Pt(111) single-crystal surface. On the former, selectivity for the formation of methanol dehydrogenation products in oxygen deficiency was higher than on the latter. The main reaction pathways of the decomposition and oxidation of methanol on platinum were considered.     

The determination of local structural units in amorphous SiBN 3C by means of X-ray photoelectron and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the K-edge of Si, N, and B are presented as techniques suited to determine structural units in amorphous SiBN₃C. The measurements reported give evidence for the presence of tetrahedral (SiN₄)- and planar (BN₃)-groups. It is concluded that these structural elements dominate the atomic surroundings of B and Si, respectively. From the spectroscopic results we conclude that C is mainly bonded to N and is not present as a pure carbide.     

Electron beam reduction of cubic Y-doped ZrO2(100): A study by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Electron beam reduction of cubic Y(III)-doped ZrO₂(100) has been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In the initial stages of irradiation with 2-keV electrons oxygen loss is accompanied by specific reduction of Zr(IV) to Zr(0) without concomitant reduction of Y(III). The cross section for oxygen desorption is estimated to be 3.9 × 10⁻²⁰ cm². Surface stoichiometry is restored by argon-ion bombardment.     

A study of the phenyl radical by vacuum ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy

Part of a photoelectron band assigned to the phenyl radical, produced from the F + C₆H₆ reaction, has been recorded. The adiabatic ionization energy was measured as 8.32±0.04 eV. Two vibrational components separated by 2790±100 cm⁻¹ were observed in the C₆H₅ band corresponding to excitation of a CH stretching mode in the ion. For C₆D₅ this separation decreases to 2370±110 cm⁻¹. Ab initio CI calculations on the low-lying C₆H⁺₅ states, ³B₁ and ¹A₁, show that state of C₆H⁺₅ is ¹A₁ and the first adiabatic ionization energy is estimated as 8.0±0.1 eV. Evidence is presented to show that the observed photoelectron band should be assigned to the ionization of C₆H⁺₅ (a ³B₁) ← C₆H₅(X²A₁). In the F + C₆D₆ reaction, a photoelectron band assigned to C₆D₆F is observed at 7.80±0.02 eV which is seen only very weakly in the F + C₆H₆ reaction.     

Carbonation study and determination of cement to sand ratio in hardened cement mortar by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The determination of cement and sand content in an aged cement mortar is a challenging problem for civil engineers. Techniques like x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are well established, which can give some insight of the hydrated products. The present study is an attempt to use x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique for the evaluation of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), sand (aggregate) composition and carbonation study in hardened cement mortar. Carbonation analysis and cement to sand ratio for all mortar compositions has been determined and studied in detail in the present work. The C 1s spectra of cement mortar with ratios 1:1, 1:3 and 1:6 shows carbonate formation on the surface with 21, 40 and 32 atomic percent, respectively. An increase in SiO₂ content corresponding to sand is observed for all three mortar mix. The formation of silica gel due to carbonation has not been observed in the mortar samples. The cement to sand ratio for all three mortar mixes is found to be in 20–30 percent error limit due to the heterogeneous nature of the mortar system.     

Chemical derivatization techniques in the determination of functional groups by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The fundamentals of chemical derivatization techniques as applied to the quantitative analysis of ultrathin surface layers of various organic compounds via functional groups were considered. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as an example of the most informative and almost nondestructive technique for characterization of thin layers, the general requirements imposed on the selective chemical reactions and possible artifacts were discussed. The validity of the technique was illustrated by the examples of analyses of surface layers of organic polymers with known concentrations of surface functional groups, plasma-modified polymers, and carbon fibers. It was noted that selective chemical reactions are successfully used in other techniques for studying material surfaces. The surface analysis of organic materials via functional groups can be performed with a simultaneous increase in the sensitivity of the corresponding spectral technique.     

Application of an Al-Ti alloy target in surface analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

An X-ray target of an Al-Ti alloy was used in the determination of the composition of the surface layer (0-200 A thick) of a Cu-Zn alloy.     

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of neodymium niobate and tantalate precursors and thin films

Neodymium niobate NdNbO₄ (NNO) and tantalate NdTaO₄ (NTO) thin films (~100 nm) were prepared by sol-gel/spin-coating process on Al₂O₃ substrate with LaNbO₄/PbZrO₃ interlayer and annealing at 1000°C. Surface chemistry was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The core-level XPS studies of sol-gel NNO and NTO were performed for the first time. The binding energy differences Δ(O―Nb) and Δ(O―Ta) were used to characterize average energies of Nb―O bonding in NNO (322.9 eV) and Ta―O bonding in NTO (504.2 eV). The XPS demonstrated single valence state of Nd (Nd³⁺) in precursors. Nd concentration (at. %) decreases from 22% in precursors to 7% in films considering the substrate contains C, Al, Si, Pb, and Zr elements (37%) at Nb or Ta (5%) and O (51%). The X-ray diffraction analyses verified formation of the monoclinic (M-NdNbO₄ or M′-NdTaO₄), orthorhombic (O-NdNbO₄) and tetragonal (T-NdTaO₄) phases in precursors and films. Single valence state of Nd³⁺ was confirmed in these films designed for the application in environmental electrolytic thin film devices.     

Structural and electronic characterization of self-assembled molecular nanoarchitectures by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Molecular monolayers and similar nanoarchitectures are indicative of the promising future of nanotechnology. Therefore, many scientists recently devoted their efforts to the synthesis, characterization, and properties of mono- and multilayer-based systems. In this context, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is an important technique for the in-depth chemical and structural characterization of nanoscopic systems. In fact, it is a surface technique suitable for probing thicknesses of the same order of the photoelectron inelastic mean free paths (a few tens of ångströms) and allows one to immediately obtain qualitative and quantitative data, film thickness, surface coverage, molecule footprint, oxidation states, and presence of functional groups. Nevertheless, other techniques are important in obtaining a complete spectroscopic characterization of the investigated systems. Therefore, in the present review we report on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of self-assembled molecular mono- and multilayer materials including some examples on which other characterization techniques produced important results.