Interaction of CO with Cu5OZr50 metallic glass surface

The adsorption of CO has been studied on the surface of a Cu₅₀Zr₅₀ metallic glass using X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopic techniques. CO dissociates on both these surfaces leading to the formation of graphitic and carbidic carbon species on the surface. However a reversal in intensity of the two species is observed on the metallic glass surface compared to that on the Zr metal surface. While Zr gets oxidised due to the oxygen produced as a result of the dissociation of CO, Cu remains unoxidised. Contribution No. 501 from the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit.