XPS and atomic force microscopy of plasma-treated polysulfone

Surface treatment of polysulfone by O₂, H₂, He, Ne, Ar, and CF₄ nonisothermal glow discharges has been investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The chemical and topographical modification of the surface is found to be strongly influenced by the type of feed gas employed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

XPS spectra of chromium monosilicides and disilicides obtained by in situ fractured clean surfaces

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra of chromium monosilicide (CrSi) and disilicide (CrSi₂) were collected from a clean surface prepared by fracturing the bulk silicide compound in a spectrometer under ultrahigh vacuum; the analytical procedure for the phase identification of the Cr–Si system was examined. A negligible binding energy shift was observed in the Cr 2p_3/2 level between elemental Cr and CrSi₂, whereas the energy of CrSi was 0.2 eV lower than that of Cr and CrSi₂. The satellite peak in the Cr 2p spectra originating from the plasmon-loss phenomena was found only for CrSi and CrSi₂. The binding energy of Si 2p shifted, reflecting the silicide phases; the energy of CrSi₂ and CrSi was 0.3 eV higher and lower, respectively, than that of elemental Si. Although a slight difference in the spectral shape was observed in the valence band region, the phase identification was considered unreliable. However, the energy shifts of Si 2p and the presence of the plasmon-loss peak in the Cr 2p spectra provide important insights into the phase identification of the Cr–Si system.     

Analysis of XPS valence band spectra of polymers using a density‐functional theory based calculation of model oligomers

XPS valence band spectra of 10 polymers (PE, PcI, PPG, PVME, PVA, PVMK, PAA, PMA, PMMA, and PGMA) were measured and simulated with the DMol ab initio molecular orbital program. We performed the calculations with model compounds such as trimers, pentamers, or hexamers of the polymers. The theoretical spectra of the oligomers show a good accordance with the experimental data. With the analysis of the calculated partial densities of states it is possible to assign the spectral features to specific atomic groups of the polymers. This gives a new detailed insight into the XPS valence band structure of the investigated polymers. The presented method could also be useful to obtain informations about the chemical structure of polymers with an unknown structure from the XPS valence band spectra. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 95–103, 1999     

Analysis of XPS and XES of diamond and graphite by DFT calculations using model molecules

X‐ray photoelectron and emission spectra (XPS and XES) of diamond and graphite have been analyzed by deMon density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations using the model adamantane derivative (C₁₀H₁₂(CH₃)₄) and pyrene (C₁₆H₁₀) molecules, respectively. The theoretical valence photoelectron and C Kα X‐ray emission spectra for the allotrope are in good accordance with the experimental ones. The combined analysis of the valence XPS and C Kα XES enables us to divide the valence electronic distribution into the individual contributions for pσ‐, and pπ‐bonding MOs of the diamond and graphite, respectively. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 102–108, 2001     

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.     

Isoelectric points of plasma‐modified and aged silicon oxynitride surfaces measured using contact angle titrations

Acid‐base properties of metal oxides and polymers can control adhesion properties between materials, electrical properties, the physical structure of the material and gas adsorption behavior. To determine the relationships between surface isoelectric point, chemical composition and aging effects, plasma‐surface treatment of amorphous silicon oxynitride (SiO_xN_y) substrates was explored using Ar, H₂O vapor, and NH₃ inductively coupled rf plasmas. Overall, the Ar plasma treatment resulted in nonpermanent changes to the surface properties, whereas the H₂O and NH₃ plasmas introduced permanent chemical changes to the SiO_xN_y surfaces. In particular, the H₂O plasma treatments resulted in formation of a more ordered SiO₂ surface, whereas the NH₃ plasma created a nitrogen‐rich surface. The trends in isoelectric point and chemical changes upon aging for one month suggest that contact angle and composition are closely related, whereas the relationship between IEP and composition is not as directly correlated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improved depth information from routine analysis of the inelastic background of XPS and HAXPES spectra using optimized two- and three-parameter cross-sections

Determination of the depth distribution of complex nanostructures by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) inelastic background analysis may be complicated if the sample materials have widely different inelastic scattering cross-sections. It was recently demonstrated that this may be solved by using a mixture of cross-sections. This permits retrieval of depth distributions of complex stacks and deeply buried layers with a typical 5% accuracy. This requires however that the cross-sections of the individual sample materials are known which is often not the case and this can complicate practical use for routine analysis. In this paper, we explore to what extent a suitable two- or three-parameter cross-section can be defined independent of prior knowledge of the cross-sections involved but simply defined by fitting the cross-section parameters to the spectrum being analyzed. This paper presents a theoretical study following our recent paper that explored how to make the best choice of inelastic mean free path and inelastic scattering cross-section for the inelastic background analysis with the Quases-Tougaard software. It was previously shown that a rough analysis of the inelastic background could give a good idea of the depth distribution. Here, we demonstrate with model spectra from buried layers created with Quases-Tougaard Generate software that a rather accurate analysis can be performed for very different cases with an average ~5% error. This analysis is easy to apply as it only needs the two- or three-parameter cross-sections generated with the Quases-Tougaard software. This study is aimed to improve routine analysis of the inelastic background of XPS and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) spectra.     

Examination of the interface of a model adhesive joint by surface analysis: a study by XPS and ToF‐SIMS

Model samples of the interface of an adhesive joint containing small levels of aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APS) have been prepared in order to examine the interface formed with an aluminium substrate. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) have been used to analyse and image the interface region in between the aluminium and an epoxy adhesive in order to ascertain the reactions by the organosilane which is present as a minor component within the system. It was found that APS was present at the interface between the adhesive and the substrate and that it had reacted with the substrate forming a covalent bond and was also crosslinked within the adhesive. Evidence of near to full hydrolysis of APS is also present within the spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemical environment of copper at the surface of a CuAl2 model alloy: XPS,MEIS and TEM analyses

Air‐formed oxide on a CuAl₂ model alloy is shown to be free of copper species, with copper enriching in the alloy. With thickening of the oxide by anodizing, copper enriches further to a critical concentration at which its oxidation proceeds with incorporation of Cu(II) species into the film. Such species migrate more rapidly through the film than aluminium species. Incorporation of copper species is associated with generation of oxygen gas within the film and subsequent film rupture is due to release of the gas. Reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) species during XPS analysis is characterized and the accelerating role of charge neutralizing is highlighted. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

In‐depth diffusion of oxygen into LDPE exposed to an Ar–O2 atmospheric post‐discharge: a complementary approach between AR‐XPS and Tof‐SIMS techniques

The in‐depth oxygen diffusion into a low density polyethylene film is performed in the post‐discharge of an atmospheric plasma torch, supplied in argon as carrier gas and with or without oxygen as reactive gas. The chemical and structural properties of the polymer surface and bulk are studied in terms of plasma parameters (treatment time, power, and reactive gas flow rate). A good correlation between XPS and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses is demonstrated. The penetration depth of oxygen into the bulk of the polymer is investigated by angle resolved‐XPS and time‐of‐flight SIMS. It is shown that, depending on the plasma conditions, oxygen could penetrate up to 20–40 nm into the low density polyethylene during the atmospheric plasma treatment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A theoretical investigation on the geometry and vibrational spectra of 10,10,2,6,5-pentamethyl-1-hydroxychroman: a model of alpha-tocopherol

In the present study, density functional theory calculations with the combined Becke's three-parameter exchange functional in combination with the Lee, Yang, and Parr correlation functional (B3LYP) exchange-correlation energy functions were performed by using the 6-311G** basis set to study the structure and vibrational spectra of 10,10,2,6,5-pentamethyl-1-hydroxychroman (a model of alpha-tocopherol). The fully optimized geometry of the molecule was found to be very consistent with the X-ray crystal structure. The predicted vibrational frequencies made it possible to give a reliable assignment of the IR spectrum of the molecule according to the potential energy distributions (PEDs).     

Identification of a lipid‐related peak set to enhance the interpretation of TOF‐SIMS data from model and cellular membranes

Principal component analysis (PCA) of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) data enables differentiating structurally similar molecules according to linear combinations of multiple peaks in their spectra. However, in order to use PCA to correctly identify variations in lipid composition between samples, the discrimination achieved must be based on chemical differences that are related to the lipid species, and not sample‐associated contamination. Here, we identify the positive‐ion TOF‐SIMS peaks that are related to phosphatidylcholine lipid headgroups and tail groups by PCA of spectra acquired from lipid isotopologs. We demonstrate that restricting PCA to a contaminant‐free lipid‐related peak set reduces the variability in the spectra acquired from lipid samples that is due to contaminants, which enhanced differentiating different lipid standards, but adversely affected the contrast in PC scores images of phase‐separated lipid membranes. We also show that PCA of a restricted data set consisting of the peaks related to lipids and amino acids increases the likelihood that the discrimination of TOF‐SIMS data acquired from intact cells is based on differences in the lipids and proteins on the cell surface, and not sample‐specific contamination without compromising sample discrimination. We expect that the lipid‐related peak database established herein will facilitate interpreting the TOF‐SIMS data and PCA results from studies of both model and cellular membranes, and enhance identifying the origins of the peaks that contribute to discriminating different types of cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of oxygen plasma treatment on the surface of bisphenol A polycarbonate: a study using SIMS,principal component analysis,ellipsometry, XPS and AFM nanoindentation

The effects of oxygen plasma treatment and the subsequent air exposure on the surface composition and properties of bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA‐PC) were analysed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ellipsometry, static time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) with principal component analysis (PCA) and nanoindentation using an atomic force microscope (AFM). PCA showed systematic changes in the film chemistry after short treatment times (0.1 s), with the main sites of attack being the carbonate and aromatic ring structure. On the basis of this multitechnique analysis, it was unambiguously determined that extended oxygen plasma treatment times resulted in the formation of low‐molecular‐weight material (LMWM) within the first 50 nm on the surface, and not in a cross‐linked skin as has been proposed by other researchers. The study shows that controlled surface modification of BPA‐PC polymers is possible, allowing surface oxygen incorporation without degradation of the polymer structure. This result is relevant for improved adhesion of coatings applied to BPA‐PC polymers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis and interpretation of data from real-time PCR trace detection methods using quantitation of GM soya as a model system

Recent years have seen an increased interest in DNA trace detection methods involved in many areas of bioanalytical research, such as quantitation of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in food products. There is little in the way of standardisation of data handling from these methods, and the data generated needs to be analysed appropriately if the results are to be interpreted correctly. This paper describes particular aspects of real-time PCR trace detection methods in order to increase the understanding of data generated using this bioanalytical technique. Using the specific example of GM soya detection and quantitation, it focuses on the production of calibration curves based on the mean and individual data values, the interpretation of correlation coefficients, regression techniques, and discusses suitable data analysis arising from simple and more complex experimental designs following transformation. By using the approaches outlined in this paper, more accurate analysis of data from real-time PCR and GM trace detection methods could be achieved.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,vibrational, optical properties,and a theoretical study of a new Pb(II) complex with bis(1-methylpiperazine-1,4-diium): [C5H14N2]2PbCl6·3H2O

An investigation of the solid-state X-ray structure of the new organic–inorganic compound [C₅H₁₄N₂]₂PbCl₆·3H₂O shows a layered organization of the (PbCl₆)^4– anions, with (R₂NH₂)⁺ groups and water molecules developed in the [001 A. Hu, H.L. Ngo, W. Lin. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 125, 11490 (2003).[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]] plane at x = (2n?+?1)/4. The crystal structure is stabilized by N???H···Cl, N???H···O, O???H···Cl, O???H···O, and C???H···Cl hydrogen bonds. The powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analyses confirm the phase purity of the crystal sample. The intermolecular contacts are quantified using the Hirshfeld surfaces computational method. The major inter-contacts contributing to the Hirshfeld surfaces are H…Cl, H…H, and O…H. The vibrational modes were identified and assigned by IR and Raman spectroscopies. The optical properties were investigated by UV–visible and photoluminescence spectroscopic studies. The compound was characterized by thermal analysis to determine its thermal behavior with respect to the temperature. Finally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis is reported for analyzing the surface chemistry of [C₅H₁₄N₂]₂PbCl₆·3H₂O.     

Ab initio calculations of the structure and harmonic force fields for the amine forms of dinitramine and methyldinitramine. Vibrational spectra and their interpretation using a scaling procedure

Ab initio geometries and vibrational spectra have been calculated for the amine structures of dinitramine and methyldinitramine, HN(NO₂)₂ and CH₃N(NO₂)₂. It is shown at the RHF and MP2 levels with the use of the 6-31G^* and 6-31G^** basis sets that these molecules have different symmetries in their equilibrium states,C _sandC ₁ respectively. The quantum chemical RHF/6-31G^* force fields were scaled with the set of transferable factors previously obtained by the authors to assign the available experimental vibrational bands and predict the positions of bands for the unmeasured spectral regions. Some common patterns of the geometrical parameters, vibrational spectra, and force fields of the simplest nitramines are discussed.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 11, pp. 2135–2147, November, 1995.The authors are grateful to the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Project No. 93-03-4410) and to the International Science Foundation (Grant No. MQXOOO) for financial support of works fulfilled at the Department of Chemistry, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University. The authors also acknowledge the support of the Scientific Technical Program Universities of Russia.     

Rapid automatic identification and quantification of compounds in complex matrices using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry with a peak sentinel tool

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC × GC–MS) is a powerful tool for comprehensive analysis of organic pollutants. In this study, we developed a powerful analytical method using GC × GC for rapid and accurate identification and quantification of compounds in environmental samples with complex matrices. Specifically, we have developed an automatic peak sentinel tool, T-SEN, with free programming software, R. The tool, which consists of a simple algorithm for on peak finding and peak shape identification, allows rapid screening of target compounds, even for large data sets from GC × GC coupled to high resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (HRTOFMS). The software tool automatically assigns and quantifies compounds that are listed in user databases. T-SEN works on a typical 64 bit workstation, and the reference calculation speed is 10–20 min for approximately 170 compounds for peak finding (five ion count setting) and integration from 1–2 GB of sample data acquired by GC × GC–HRTOFMS. We analyzed and quantified 17 PCDD/F congeners and 24 PCB congeners in a crude lake sediment extract by both GC × GC coupled to quadrupole mass spectrometry (qMS) and GC × GC–HRTOFMS with T-SEN. While GC × GC–qMS with T-SEN resulted in false identification and inaccurate quantification, GC × GC–HRTOFMS with T-SEN provided correct identification and accurate quantification of compounds without sample pre-treatment. The differences between the values measured by GC × GC–HRTOFMS with T-SEN and the certified values for the certified reference material ranged from 7.3 to 36.9% for compounds with concentrations above the limit of quantification. False positives/negatives were not observed, except for when co-elution occurred. The technique of GC × GC–HRTOFMS in combination with T-SEN provides rapid and accurate screening and represents a powerful new approach for comprehensive analysis.