Surface Chemical Analysis

In this note we present first NAP-XPS results from a fresh tomato and apple using the EnviroESCA. Portions of tomato and apple were introduced into the system and the pressure was stabilized at 10 mbar. Different regions on the surface were studied and the photoelectron spectra show significant chemical differences between these regions. This study demonstrates the unique NAP XPS capabilities of the EnviroESCA and extends the field of applications to (processed) food samples and other natural or biological samples that could not be studied by XPS up to now.

In this note we present first AP-XPS results from a commercial liquid electrolyte for lithium ion battery production recorded at 10 mbar in the EnviroESCA. The solution is LiPF6 in EC/DMC as a common battery electrolyte. First we analyzed the LiPF6 solution in its vapor and liquid phase. In a second step we immersed V2O5, a typical cathode material, in this solution. Photoelectron spectra show significant chemical differences on the studied surfaces. This proof of principle study shows the enormous potential of the EnviroESCA for AP-XPS investigations of solid-liquid interfaces and the simplicity of the experimental setup.

This application note describes how EnviroESCA can be used to analyze the surface of polymers and bulk insulating material. EnviroESCAs ability to perform X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) at non vacuum conditions shows its main advantage when being applied to insulating material. Specimens that tend to charge up under vacuum conditions and need to be extensive charge compensated with expensive low energy electron and low energy ion sources can be measured with ease and without the problem of overcompensation.

In this study we show how EnviroESCA can be used to analyze the surface of superabsorbent polymers under different environmental conditions. EnviroESCA’s ability to perform X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) under ambient conditions shows its main advantage when being applied to insulating material that change their surface (chemistry) when they come in contact with different liquids and gases - in this case water. Specimens that tend to charge up under vacuum conditions can be measured with ease.

In this study we present the capabilites of EnviroESCA to analyze the surface of various aqueous solutions under near ambient pressure conditions. Such investigations of aqueous solutions are of paramount importance due to the vast number of essential water based processes in nature and industry.

A single human urinary stone (urolith) was characterized using EnviroESCA. The result of surface chemical analysis of the as received samples is presented. Charge neutralization on this insulating material is accomplished by Environmental Charge Compensation.