The segregation of As,Sb and Bi in Cr-Ni steels and alloys with different Ni contents investigated using AES

This paper reports on an AES study of grain boundary segregation in five kinds of Cr-Ni corrosion-resistant steels and alloys with different Ni contents that were enriched by As, Sb or Bi. The results show that all mentioned impurities segregate to the grain boundaries and that the segregation level depends on the type of the impurity. The highest amount of segregant atoms was found in the case of Bi, while it appeared to be substantially lower for As and Sb. The segregation level of each impurity grows also with the Ni content. This increase is more pronounced for Bi and Sb than for As. In particular the results demonstrate that the enrichment of grain boundaries by a given impurity is strongly connected to the solubility of this element in the matrix.Dedicated to Professor Günther Tölg on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

An experimental and theoretical study of surface segregation in a Fe-6at.%Si bicrystal

The analysis of segregation phenomena in bicrystals is an important step for the understanding of combined effects of the elementary diffusion processes involved in the segregation in polycristalline systems. The segregation of Si and P in a Fe-6at.%Si bicrystal with a (100) and (110) surface has been investigated by means of AES (Auger electron spectroscopy). For these experiments the technique of a linearly increased temperature has been applied. Significant differences between the segregation kinetics at the two surfaces of the sample have been found on the one hand for the maximum coverage of P and on the other hand for the high temperature behaviour of Si. Additionally, model calculations based on the KTBIM (kinetic tight binding Ising model) have been performed to qualitatively describe the experimental results. It is shown, that the striking differences between the segregation behaviour at the two differently oriented surfaces can be explained by different segregation energies of P, whereas Si plays a minor role due to its relatively small segregation energy.Dedicated to Professor Dr. rer. nat. Dr. h.c. Hubertus Nickel on the occasion of his 65th birthday     

俄歇化学位移及其在表面化学上的应用

从俄歇电子激发过程讨论了化学位移和元素化合价以及电负性的关系, 提供了常用元素在不同化合物中的俄歇电子动能及化学位移数据, 运用俄歇化学位移研究了氧在锌表面的吸附和初始氧化反应, Ti/SiO_2的界面固相反应机理以及摩擦过程中润滑膜的组成和结构.     

Recent progress in quantitative and high spatial resolution AES

Progress in high resolution Auger electron spectroscopy (HR-AES or scanning Auger microscopy, SAM) during the past few years is characterized by the use of efficient field emission electron sources, parallel detection capabilities and improved data acquisition, storage and processing, thus enhancing spatial resolution (to about 10 nm), signal to noise figure and quantification of elements in different chemical bonding states, e.g. by routinely using factor analysis. Optimized ion sputtering facilities, particularly sample rotation, enable depth profiling with high, depth independent resolution. The basic features of SAM are discussed with respect to EPMA (electron probe micro-analysis), emphasizing fundamental limitations and future developments.     

应用渐进因子分析法研究SiO_2/Si样品俄歇深度剖析

首次利用渐进因子分析法对ＳｉＯ２／Ｓｉ样品俄歇深度剖析过程进行研究，发现ＳｉＯ２／Ｓｉ界面处有ＳｉＯｘ成分存在，ｘ值在１０～１５之间，厚度约为３０ｎｍ，含量接近５０％。Ａｒ＋离子束的轰击使得ＳｉＯ２薄膜内分解产生亚稳态ＳｉＯ２，含量在１７％左右。研究结果表明，渐进因子分析法非常适合于俄歇深度剖析的化学态分析。     

Interlaboratory study comparing analyses of simulated angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data

An interlaboratory study has been conducted to determine the following: (i) the similarities and differences of film thicknesses and composition profiles obtained from analyses of simulated angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) data by different analysts using different algorithms for data analysis, and (ii) the effects of two assumptions commonly made in data‐analysis algorithms for ARXPS on derived film thicknesses and composition profiles. The analyzed data were generated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology Database for the Simulation of Electron Spectra for Surface Analysis, (SESSA) which provides a simple way to study the influence of the aforementioned effects on compositional depth profile reconstruction. Sets of simulated ARXPS data were produced for thin films of SiO₂, SiON, HfO₂, and HfON of varying thicknesses on a Si substrate. For some HfON films, the N concentration varied with depth. Eleven groups participated in the round robin study. The majority (eight) employed a commercial ARXPS instrument in which the angular distribution is measured for a fixed sample geometry, in contrast to conventional ARXPS in which the sample is tilted for angular variation. The average deviations between the reported average depth, film thickness, and amount of material typically varied between 20% and 30% but were considerably larger, between 30% and 80%, for some cases. The average errors were generally larger for simulations that included elastic scattering and the finite analyzer‐acceptance angle (realistic conditions) than those for simulations that neglected elastic scattering and the finite analyzer‐acceptance angle (simplified conditions). The retrieved N depth profiles were quantitatively different from the true depth profiles and showed substantial variability among the group of members who used the same instrument and analysis software. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigations of the distribution of elements in phases present in G-AlMg5Si cast alloy with EDX/WDX spectrometers and AES

The mechanical properties of most aluminium alloys depend heavily on chemical composition, casting methods and heat treatment. Alloys of type G-AlMg₅Si are known for good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. Under the designation Hydronalium (Hy 511) they are used for the production of heads for air cooled Diesel engines. To obtain better mechanical characteristics, titanium is added to the alloy. This paper deals with the results obtained during investigations of the distribution of elements in binary eutectic Mg₂Si and ternary eutectic as well as the distribution of titanium in samples of Hy 511, obtained during casting of cylinder heads. Studies of the distribution of the elements were performed using EDX/ WDX spectrometry, and the distribution of titanium was studied also with Auger electron spectroscopy.Dedicated to Professor Günther Tölg on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

Grain boundary segregation of P and micro-structural changes in 12% Cr-steels

Phosphorus occurs as impurity in 12% CrMoV-steels and tends to enrich at grain boundaries. The phosphorus grain boundary segregation in a laboratory cast of the steel X 20 CrMoV 12 1 with a relatively high phosphorus content (0.057% P) was studied by Auger electron spectroscopy and the segregation kinetics and equilibria were described. Using the results phosphorus segregation could be predicted and compared to measured phosphorus concentrations in long-term annealed steels. Investigations by transmission electron microscopy showed recrystallisation and an agglomeration of carbides with aging time and the occurrence of new phases (Laves-phase Fe₂ Mo). All these processes lead first to an increase in toughness as established in notch-impact fracture tests for the laboratory cast, however, after long-term use a reduction in toughness is expected.     

On the use of AES data analysis to determine local enrichments of conversion coating elements at intermetallic particles on rolled Al

In this paper, the behaviour of the industrial applied Ti/Zr conversion coating (CC) pretreatment on rolled automotive aluminium samples (AA5182) is analysed. Due to its nanometre lateral and depth resolution, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) is used to analyse the CC distribution at surface cathodic intermetallic particles. As a result of its high surface sensitivity, the AES technique is very susceptible to differences in the top contamination layer thickness. It is demonstrated that AES point measurements performed on aluminium model samples coated with 1.5 and 3 nm of Ti (oxide) layer cannot differentiate the two-layer thicknesses if a difference in the top contamination thickness is not taken into account. A data analysis methodology is introduced, based on the ratio of normalized peak areas (enrichment ratios), to eliminate the effect of the contamination layer thickness. The experimental validation of the methodology is performed on the model samples, demonstrating errors of 2% on the enrichment ratios on similar samples with different contamination layer thicknesses, while the conventional spectra quantification results in errors of 49%. The methodology is also theoretically substantiated within certain constraints. By the use of the AES methodology, an enriched Ti and Zr deposition is confirmed at the cathodic intermetallic particles at the surface of the industrial no-rinse CC sprayed automotive aluminium sheet samples.     

SEM–EDX and SAM–AES Investigations on Rochow Contact Masses

Appropriate Rochow contact masses have been investigated by the spatial resolution techniques SEM–EDX and SAM–AES. The results gave evidence of the existence and the catalytic action of (X-ray)-amorphous copper–silicon (Cu–Si) surface species, i.e. extremely highly dispersed particles or two-dimensional species. The well-known Rochow promoter zinc seems to act as a moderator rather than as a real accelerator. It ensures a stable rate for the reaction by neutralizing the detrimental action of silicon impurities. The silicon impurities make the whole of the silicon surface reactive and in this way cause a general blockade of the silicon surface by inactive copper species. Zinc localizes the reaction. The silicon surface remains partly free, and active Cu–Si surface species can be formed by lateral diffusion of copper onto the silicon surface that is still free. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

AES and LEED study of well‐ordered oxide film grown on Cu–9at.%Al(111)

An alloy of Cu–9at.%Al(111) has been oxidized in a low‐energy electron diffraction (LEED)/AES and a scanning AES instrument at elevated temperatures. Dosing with 1300 L of oxygen at 995 K gives rise to well‐ordered oxide layer formation on the Cu–9at.%Al alloy. The structure of the ordered oxide confirmed by LEED is ( ) R30°. The chemical state of the oxide was Al₂O₃. The morphology of the surface observed with SEM in the scanning AES instrument revealed flat oxide growth with triangular defects of the same orientation. The possible epitaxy between the alloy substrate and alumina layer has been discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

X-ray photoelectron spectra and Auger studies of the surface oxidation of cobalt

Surface oxidation of Co has been investigated at different temperatures in the 300–600 K range at oxygen exposures upto 10⁶ L by XPES and AES techniques. In the XPES, both the valence band and core level bands have been employed to monitor the oxidation while in the AES, metal Auger intensity ratios as well as O(KLL)/Co(L₂₃M₄₅M₄₅) ratios have been examined. Only CoO is formed on the surface at high oxygen exposures at and above 500 K. Communication No. 62 from the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit.     

Comparative plasma SNMS and AES measurements on ceramic powders and fibres

SNMS depth profiles of layers of 0.4–0.8 m sized Si₃N₄, BN and partly SiC-coated B₄C powder particles and of 10 m sized SiC fibres are obtained without great expenditure on time and specimen preparation. Close contact with Au foil provides for electrical conductivity. Averaged depth profiles of a great number of particles or fibres are obtained. AES serves as a comparative method; the carrier-gas heat extraction (inert gas fusion) technique is used for the semiquantification of OH signals in SNMS. Esterification of surface OH with ethanol during suspension is not detectable. Hydrolyzation or oxidation reactions having penetrated through the bulk of BN particles cause qualitatively different depth profiles than found on Si₃N₄ particles carrying a nm thin natural (hydr-)oxidic layer. The effects of preparative surface reactions like additive coating (SiC on B₄C particles), etching and oxidation (of SiC fibres) can be monitored. Quantification attempts yield standard deviations between 10 and 50%.Presented on the 15. Kollquium über Werkstoffanalytik, Vienna, May 27–29, 1991     

Analysis of the antitarnish film on a tin surface by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy

A corrosion-resistant complex film formed in ethylenediaminetetra(methylidenephosphonic acid) (EDTMP) solution was determined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy to consist of 48.0% O, 11.7% Sn, 7.7% N, 22.1% C and 10.5% P. From the differences in the binding energies of Sn, N and O before and after film formation and the RPO^2?₃ and SnN vibrations in the Raman spectrum of the film, it was deduced that N and O in EDTMP were coordinated with Sn in the film.     

Surface properties of the Ni-Cu-Cr oxide catalyst for dehydrogenative hydrolysis of amines

Catalysts for dehydrogenative hydrolysis of amines, prepared by sorption of copper ions from a solution on a preformed Ni-Cr oxide system, were studied by Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and IR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO and NH₃ probe molecules. It was shown that on adsorption copper blocked the chromium ions in the Ni-Cr catalyst with concomitant stabilization as Cu⁺. The incorporation of copper into the Ni-Cr system increased the ability of nickel to reduce water with the formation of oxygen-containing complexes.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 2, pp. 288–291, February, 1993.     

超高真空俄歇电子能谱原位加热和GaN热效应研究

An in situ heating system was built for the Auger electron spectroscopy to investigate the thermal effect of Auger lines. A GaN sample was studied in this system. The kinetic energy of Ga LMM and MVV Auger lines were observed to shift negatively with temperature increasing. By using ab initio calculation, the theoretical Ga MVV Auger line shape was fit, which well reflects the inner property of the line. The Auger shift with heating is related with the valence electron rearrangement in the thermal expansion of the local bonds.     

Investigation of surface and thermogravimetric characteristics of carbon-coated iron nanopowder

Demand for high-density press and sinter components is increasing day by day. Of the different ways to improve the sinter density, the addition of nanopowder to the conventional micrometer-sized metal powder is an effective solution. The present investigation is aimed at studying the surface chemistry of iron nanopowder coated with graphitic carbon, which is intended to be mixed with the conventional iron powder. For this purpose, iron nanopowder in the size range of 30 nm to submicron (less than 1 micron) was investigated using thermogravimetry at different temperatures: 400°C, 600°C, 800°C, 1000°C, and 1350°C. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) were used for characterizing the powder as well as samples sintered at different temperatures. The presence of iron, oxygen, carbon, chromium, and zinc were observed on the surface of the nanopowder. Iron was present in oxide state, although a small metallic iron peak at 707 eV was also observed in the XPS spectra obtained from the surface indicating the oxide scale to be maximum of about 5 nm in thickness. For the sample treated at 600°C, presence of manganese was observed on the surface. Thermogravimetry results showed a two-step mass loss with a total mass loss of 4 wt.% when heated to 1350°C where the first step corresponds to the surface oxide reduction.     

Copper passivity and its breakdown in sodium bicarbonate solutions: A scanning electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron and auger spectroscopy study

Effect of bicarbonate ions on the copper passivity and its local breakdown is studied by cyclic voltammetry, Auger spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Comparing data for solutions with various sodium bicarbonate concentrations shows copper to undergo pitting in 0.02 M NaHCO₃, whereas it remains stably passive in 0.10 M NaHCO₃. Independent studies suggest that carbonates play a protective role in stabilization of the oxide-hydroxide passive film on copper.     

Characterization of nitrided and nitrocarburized surface compound layers of machine parts with AES

An investigation has been conducted into the contribution made by nitrogen and nitrogen plus carbon to the chemical composition of surface compound layers of non-alloy steel treated at 843 K. The composition of the compound layers produced by the optimized atmosphere systems was determined by AES. Recommendations are made on how such processes may be controlled.     

X‐Ray Photoemission Studies of the Ternary Intermetallic Compounds Li2MGa and LiMGa2 (M = Rh,Pd, Ir,Pt)

X‐ray photoelectron and x‐ray excited Auger spectra were measured for the intermetallic compounds LiMGa₂ and Li₂MGa (M = Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt). The valence band spectra exhibit characteristic differences in the location of the M d‐band between group 9 elements (Rh, Ir) and group 10 elements (Pd, Pt) on one side and between LiMGa₂ and Li₂MGa on the other. The experimentally observed differences are in excellent agreement with results from band structure calculations. The combination of binding energy shifts with Auger kinetic energy shifts allowed a separation of initial and final state contributions. Core hole screening is very efficient in accordance with the metallic character of the investigated phases. The magnitude of the screening correlates with the theoretically predicted composition of the density of states at the Fermi level. Application of Wertheim's electrostatic model allowed to estimate the charge distribution for LiRhGa₂ and Li₂RhGa. The sign of the charges agrees with expectations that result from the Extended Zintl Concept. The results show, how dangerous it is to draw conclusions on the chemistry of such systems from photoemission data alone.