Electronic structure of lanthanum copper oxychalcogenides LaCuOCh (Ch=S, Se, Te) by X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) have been applied to examine the electronic structures of lanthanum copper oxychalcogenides LaCuOCh (Ch=S, Se, Te), whose structure has been conventionally viewed as consisting of nominally isolated [LaO] and [CuCh] layers. However, there is evidence for weak La-Ch interactions between these layers, as seen in small changes in the satellite intensity of the La 3d XPS spectra as the chalcogen is changed and as supported by band structure calculations. The O 1s and Cu 2p XPS spectra are insensitive to chalcogen substitution. Lineshapes in the Cu 2p XPS spectra and fine-structure in the Cu L- and M-edge XANES spectra support the presence of Cu⁺ species. The Ch XPS spectra show negative BE shifts relative to the elemental chalcogen, indicative of anionic species; these shifts correlate well with greater difference in electronegativity between the Cu and Ch atoms, provided that an intermediate electronegativity is chosen for Se.     

Effects of rare-earth substitution in the oxyarsenides REFeAsO (RE=Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) and CeNiAsO by X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) have been applied to examine the electronic structure of the rare-earth transition-metal oxyarsenides REFeAsO (RE=Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) and CeNiAsO. Within the metal-arsenic layer [MAs], the bonding character is predominantly covalent and the As atoms are anionic, as implied by the small energy shifts in the M 2p and As 3d XPS spectra. Within the rare-earth-oxygen layer [REO], the bonding character is predominantly ionic, as implied by the similarity of the O 1s binding energies to those in highly ionic oxides. Substitution with a smaller RE element increases the O 1s binding energy, a result of an enhanced Madelung potential. The Ce 3d XPS and Ce L₃-edge XANES spectra have lineshapes and energies that confirm the presence of trivalent cerium in CeFeAsO and CeNiAsO. A population analysis of the valence band spectrum of CeNiAsO supports the formal charge assignment [Ce³⁺O²⁻][Ni²⁺As³⁻].     

X-ray and UV photoelectron spectroscopy of Ag nanoclusters

The main purpose of the present work is to analyze a series of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with different size or ligand functionalization by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and to identify the differences in the band-shape and energy peak position of photoemission spectra due to the particle dimension. A transmission electron microscopy characterization was performed, to verify the consistency of the results. Three types of samples were prepared starting from AgNO₃ water solution and adding different capping agents. In the first two cases, the formation of NPs was promoted by the reduction of silver ions Ag⁺¹ to metallic Ag⁰ through the addition of sodium borohydride, whereas in the last case, it was triggered by the exposure to UV light. Depending on the size of the NPs, a different physical behavior can be recognized. NPs with diameter of about 5 nm are characterized by the phenomenon of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The other type of samples having a diameter of about 1.5 nm presents discrete energy levels instead of electronic bands, and in this case, a typical fluorescence phenomenon can be observed. In the latter case, we can refer to such systems as nanoclusters. The XPS analyses were focused on the Ag 3D spectra looking for the possible shifts of the Ag doublet as a function of the particles size. The ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy with He II source was used for the investigation of possible changes in the valence band.     

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     

X-ray absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of a rhodium colloid

Transition metal colloids are potential precursors of heterogeneous catalysts with application to selective chemical reactions. Sample preparation techniques are described. Experimental details are given of the characterization of these often air-sensitive particles by X-ray photoelectron and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. First results obtained with both techniques for a Rh-colloid show that the metal is mainly present in the zerovalent chemical state. But the spectra indicate further chemical states of Rh which can be assigned to the outermost metal atoms of the colloid interacting with organic ligands or to the educt Rh-halides.     

X-ray absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of a rhodium colloid

Transition metal colloids are potential precursors of heterogeneous catalysts with application to selective chemical reactions. Sample preparation techniques are described. Experimental details are given of the characterization of these often air-sensitive particles by X-ray photoelectron and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. First results obtained with both techniques for a Rh-colloid show that the metal is mainly present in the zerovalent chemical state. But the spectra indicate further chemical states of Rh which can be assigned to the outermost metal atoms of the colloid interacting with organic ligands or to the educt Rh-halides.     

Consequences of x‐ray absorption fine structure for quantitative core‐level photoelectron spectroscopy

The dependence of x‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) on the chemical environment implies a corresponding environmental dependence of photoionization cross‐sections. The practical consequences of the XAFS for quantitative core‐level photoelectron spectroscopy have been studied for a number of materials with the help of simulations based on the ab initio FEFF code. The XAFS effects are predicted to be significant only for photoelectron kinetic energies below 250–300 eV. These effects take the form of systematic sensitivity factor variations between different chemical structural environments (e.g. compound materials quantified with reference to elemental standards). Apart from a few exceptions (e.g. the 2p core levels of Zn, Ga, Ge and As in metallic environments), the XAFS should introduce no significant errors when conventional Mg Kα or Al Kα sources are used for excitation. For core‐level spectra excited with synchrotron radiation or He II radiation sources, the quantification errors can readily approach or exceed 10% at room temperature (and are expected to increase at lower temperatures). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electronic structure of transition metal-cysteine complexes from X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The electronic structures of HgII, NiII, CrIII, and MoV complexes with cysteine were investigated by sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and density functional theory. The covalency in the metal-sulfur bond was determined by analyzing the intensities of the electric-dipole allowed pre-edge features appearing in the XANES spectra below the ionization threshold. Because of the well-defined structures of the selected cysteine complexes, the current work provides a reference set for further sulfur K-edge XAS studies of bioinorganic active sites with transition metal-sulfur bonds from cysteine residues as well as more complex coordination compounds with thiolate ligands.     

Theoretical and experimental X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigation of ion-implanted nafion

The membrane properties of a Nafion surface can be modified by ion implantation with N⁺ or F⁺. The results are presented of an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of implanted surfaces. For the interpretation of the XPS spectra, calculations using a semiempirical quantum chemical formalism (AM1) have been applied, in conjunction with a charge-potential model, to predict the C_1s core electron binding energies. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 551–556, 2004     

Characterization of hexavalent chromium interaction with Sargassum by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and quantum chemistry calculation

Hexavalent chromium represents higher toxicity in aqueous solutions. It can be removed by such low-cost biosorbents as Sargassum sp. In this study, X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and quantum chemistry (QC) calculation were used to study the interactions between hexavalent chromium and Sargassum sp. during the biosorption. It was found that most of the adsorbed Cr(VI) ions were reduced to Cr(III) after the biosorption. The electrons for the reduction of Cr(VI) were possibly supplied from the Sargassum biomass, some organic compounds of which were oxidized. Cr(III) ions were coordinated with the oxygen atoms from either carboxyl or hydroxyl functional groups to form an octahedral structural metal complex. The coordination numbers of the formed Cr complex were 4-6, and bond length of Cr-O was 1.98?. QC calculation proved the possible formation of the Cr(III) metal complex, and revealed that carboxyl from biomass could be strongly bound with Cr(III). A three-step removal mechanism of Cr(VI) by Sargassum was proposed.     

Electronic structure of ReO3Me by variable photon energy photoelectron spectroscopy,absorption spectroscopy and density functional calculations

Valence photoelectron (PE) spectra have been measured for ReO(3)Me using a synchrotron source for photon energies ranging between 20 and 110 eV. Derived branching ratios (BR) and relative partial photoionization cross sections (RPPICS) are interpreted in the context of a bonding model calculated using density functional theory (DFT). Agreement between calculated and observed ionization energies (IE) is excellent. The 5d character of the orbitals correlates with the 5p --> 5d resonances of the associated RPPICS; these resonances commence around 47 eV. Bands with 5d character also show a RPPICS maximum at 35 eV. The RPPICS associated with the totally symmetric 4a(1) orbital, which has s-like character, shows an additional shape resonance with an onset of 43 eV. The PE spectrum of the inner valence and core region measured with photon energies of 108 and 210 eV shows ionization associated with C 2s, O 2s, and Re 4f and 5p electrons. Absorption spectra measured in the region of the O1s edge showed structure assignable to excitation to the low lying empty "d" orbitals of this d(0) molecule. The separation of the absorption bands corresponded with the calculated orbital splitting and their intensity with the calculated O 2p character. Broad bands associated with Re 4d absorption were assigned to (2)D(5/2) and (2)D(3/2) hole states. Structure was observed associated with the C1s edge but instrumental factors prevented firm assignment. At the Re 5p edge, structure was observed on the (2)P(3/2) absorption band resulting from excitation to the empty "d" levels. The intensity ratios differed from that of the O 1s edge structure but were in good agreement with the calculated 5d character of these orbitals. An absorption was observed at 45 eV, which, in the light of the resonance in the 4a(1) RPPICS, is assigned to a 4a(1) --> ne, na(2) transition. The electronic structure established for ReO(3)Me differs substantially from that of TiCl(3)Me and accounts for the difference in chemical behavior found for the two complexes.     

Structural study of tungstate fluorophosphate glasses by Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Transparent glasses were synthesized in the NaPO₃-BaF₂-WO₃ ternary system and several structural characterizations were performed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES) at the tungsten L_I and L_III absorption edges and by Raman spectroscopy. Special attention was paid to the coordination state of tungsten atoms in the vitreous network.XANES investigations showed that tungsten atoms are only six-fold coordinated (octahedra WO₆) and that these glasses are free of tungstate tetrahedra (WO₄).In addition, Raman spectroscopy allowed to identify a break in the linear phosphate chains as the amount of WO₃ increases and the formation of P-O-W bonds in the vitreous network indicating the modifier behavior of WO₆ octahedra in the glass network. Based on XANES data, we suggested a new attribution of several Raman absorption bands which allowed to identify the presence of W-O⁻ and WO terminal bonds and a progressive apparition of W-O-W bridging bonds for the most WO₃ concentrated samples (?30% molar) due to the formation of WO₆ clusters.     

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure study of water adsorption on pyridine-terminated thiolate self-assembled monolayers

Adsorption of water on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 4-(4-mercaptophenyl)pyridine on gold at low temperatures under ultrahigh vacuum conditions is studied by synchrotron radiation X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopy. Water adsorption induces a strong modification of the chemical state of the pyridine N atoms at the SAM/ice interface, indicative for strong H bonding and partial proton transfer between water molecules and pyridine moieties. Additionally, the initial molecular orientation within the SAM is changed upon formation of an adsorbed water multilayer.     

Electronic structure of guanidine and its derivatives from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory studies

Electronic structure of guanidine, diphenylguanidine, their protonated forms, and guanidinium chloride have been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum-chemical modeling. From the derived geometry parameters and electronic structure, the effect of protonation on localization of the electron density has been revealed. The lines in the valence region of the X-ray photoelectron spectra have been assigned.     

A theoretical and experimental study of the near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) of nucleobases: Thymine and adenine

The core level electron excitation and ionization spectra of thymine and adenine have been investigated by photoabsorption and photoemission spectroscopy, and the results interpreted by means of ab initio calculations using the second-order algebraic–diagrammatic construction (ADC(2)) method for the polarization propagator and the fourth-order ADC method (ADC(4)) for the one-particle Green’s function. The photoabsorption spectra are dominated by transitions from core levels to unoccupied π states, but also show clear structures due to Rydberg transitions. The calculated spectra are in good agreement with the experimental results, and many of the observed structures are assigned.     

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.     

Crystal structure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of ciprofloxacinium tetrachloroaurate monohydrate

The complex (CfqH₂AuCl₄ · H₂O ((CfqH₂)⁺ is the ciprofloxacinium cation) was isolated and analyzed by spectral luminescence, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The central Au(III) atom has no direct interatomic contacts with the 1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-(1-piperazinyl)-1,4-dihydro-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid (CfqH) molecule. The structure is formed by the [AuCl₄]^? anions having a square structure, (CfqH₂)⁺ cations, and water molecules combined by hydrogen bonds. The protonation of CfqH occurs at the terminal nitrogen atom of the piperazinyl group. Core-level X-ray photo-electron spectra of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and fluorine were measured. Cleavage of the Su-Cl bond was shown to be the primary step of the photoinduced decomposition of the compound.     

Electronic structure of Li-intercalated oligopyridines: a comparative study by photoelectron spectroscopy

The role of nitrogen in the charge transfer and storage capacity of lithium-intercalated heterocyclic oligophenylenes was investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy. The development of new occupied states at low binding energies in the valence band region, as well as core level chemical shifts at both carbon and nitrogen sites, demonstrates partial charge transfer from lithium atoms to the organic component during formation of the intercalated compound. In small compounds, i.e., biphenyl and bipyridine derivatives, the position of the nitrogen heteroatom significantly affects the spacing between gap states in the Li-intercalated film; yet it has minimal effects on the charge storage capacity. In larger, branched systems, the presence of nitrogen in the aromatic system significantly enhances the charge storage capacity while the Li-N bond strength at high intercalation levels is significantly weakened relative to the nitrogen-free derivative. These observations have strong implications towards improved deintercalation processes in organic electrodes in lithium-ion batteries.     

Determining nonuniformities of core-shell nanoparticle coatings by analysis of the inelastic background of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy survey spectra

Most real core-shell nanoparticle (CSNP) samples deviate from an ideal core-shell structure potentially having significant impact on the particle properties. An ideal structure displays a spherical core fully encapsulated by a shell of homogeneous thickness, and all particles in the sample exhibit the same shell thickness. Therefore, analytical techniques are required that can identify and characterize such deviations. This study demonstrates that by analysis of the inelastic background in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) survey spectra, the following types of deviations can be identified and quantified: the nonuniformity of the shell thickness within a nanoparticle sample and the incomplete encapsulation of the cores by the shell material. Furthermore, CSNP shell thicknesses and relative coverages can be obtained. These results allow for a quick and straightforward comparison between several batches of a specific CSNP, different coating approaches, and so forth. The presented XPS methodology requires a submonolayer distribution of CSNPs on a substrate. Poly(tetrafluoroethylene)-poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(tetrafluoroethylene)-polystyrene polymer CSNPs serve as model systems to demonstrate the applicability of the approach.