Module 8 : Surface Chemistry
Lecture 37 : Surface Characterization Techniques
37.3

Spectroscopic methods:

(a)

X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS):

 

Instrumentation and working

 

Basic components of XPS instrumentation are:

 

1. Source, 2. Sample Holder, 3. Analyzer, 4.Detector and 5. Signal Processor

 

Source: A common source is an X-ray tube with both Al or Mg target and a suitable filter. For the analysis of heavy elements Cu, Mn and Ag targets with suitable filters are used.

 

Sample holder: Samples like a piece of metal are mounted close to source, which is evacuated upto 10-9 torr to avoid contamination by oxygen and water vapors.

 

Analyzer: Hemispheric analyzers are used to distinguish electrons of different energies by applying electrostatic and magnetic fields.

 

Detector and signal Processor: Usually Channeltrons or solid-state detectors are used to attain required sensitivities.

 
 

Figure 37.2 Block diagram of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

   
  Applications
1.

Surface analysis for elemental composition.

2.
To determine different oxidation states of the elements.
3.
For structural analysis of molecules.
4.
It is also useful for qualitative analysis of the surfaces.