Characterizing Materials for Energy Generation Using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Nunney ◽  
Richard White
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Thin Film Solar Cells ◽  
Materials Characterization ◽  
Environmentally Benign ◽  
Complex Materials ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Compositional Homogeneity ◽  
New Generation

In order to meet the challenges of more economical and environmentally benign energy production, a new generation of complex materials and devices are being developed, including thin film solar cells, fuel cells, and batteries. In all stages of development there is a requirement for materials characterization and analysis, from the initial development stages through to testing of the finished product. Most materials need to be analyzed for compositional homogeneity across surfaces and also for confirmation of film thickness and layer chemistry.

scholarly journals Synthesis of Heart/Dumbbell-Like CuO Functional Nanostructures for the Development of Uric Acid Biosensor

Materials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zafar Ibupoto ◽  
Aneela Tahira ◽  
Hamid Raza ◽  
Gulzar Ali ◽  
Aftab Khand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Nanostructured Material ◽  
Soft Template ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Growth Method ◽  
Enzyme Molecules ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Uric Acid Biosensor

It is always demanded to prepare a nanostructured material with prominent functional properties for the development of a new generation of devices. This study is focused on the synthesis of heart/dumbbell-like CuO nanostructures using a low-temperature aqueous chemical growth method with vitamin B12 as a soft template and growth directing agent. CuO nanostructures are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. CuO nanostructures are heart/dumbbell like in shape, exhibit high crystalline quality as demonstrated by XRD, and have no impurity as confirmed by XPS. Apparently, CuO material seems to be porous in structure, which can easily carry large amount of enzyme molecules, thus enhanced performance is shown for the determination of uric acid. The working linear range of the biosensor is 0.001 mM to 10 mM with a detection limit of 0.0005 mM and a sensitivity of 61.88 mV/decade. The presented uric acid biosensor is highly stable, repeatable, and reproducible. The analytical practicality of the proposed uric acid biosensor is also monitored. The fabrication methodology is inexpensive, simple, and scalable, which ensures the capitalization of the developed uric acid biosensor for commercialization. Also, CuO material can be used for various applications such as solar cells, lithium ion batteries, and supercapacitors.

scholarly journals Outstanding Nobility Observed in Cu5 Clusters Reveals the Key Role of Collective Quantum Effects

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Buceta ◽  
Shahana Huseyinova ◽  
Miguel Cuerva ◽  
Héctor Lozano ◽  
Lisandro J. Giovanetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Metal Clusters ◽  
Bulk Material ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Quantum Effects ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
New Generation

Subnanometer-sized metal clusters often feature a molecule-like electronic structure, which makes their physical and chemical properties significantly different from those of nanoparticles and bulk material. Considering potential applications, there is a major concern about their thermal stability and susceptibility towards oxidation. Cu clusters of only 5 atoms (Cu<sub>5</sub> clusters) are first synthesized in high concentration using a new-generation wet chemical method. Next, it is shown that, contrary to what is currently assumed, Cu<sub>5</sub> clusters display nobility, beyond resistance to irreversible oxidation, at a broad range of temperatures and oxygen pressures. The outstanding nobility arises from an unusual reversible oxidation which is observed by <i>in situ</i> X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy on Cu<sub>5</sub> clusters deposited onto highly oriented pyrolitic graphite at different oxygen pressures and up to 773 K. This atypical property is explained by a theoretical approach combining different state-of-the-art first principles theories. It reveals the essential role of collective quantum effects in the physical mechanism responsible for the nobility of Cu<sub>5</sub> clusters, encompassing a structural ‘breathing’ through concerted Cu–Cu elongations/contractions upon O<sub>2</sub> uptake/release, and collective charge transfer as well. A predictive phase diagram of their reversible oxidation states is also delivered, agreeing with the experimental observations. The collective quantum effects responsible of the observed nobility are expected to be general in subnanometer-sized metal clusters, pushing this new generation of materials to an upper level.

Electronic Structure of h-WO3 and CuWO4 Nanocrystals, Harvesting Materials for Renewable Energy Systems and Functional Devices

2011 ◽  
Vol 110-116 ◽  
pp. 2188-2193 ◽  
Author(s):  
V.V. Atuchin ◽  
I.B. Troitskaia ◽  
O.Yu. Khyzhun ◽  
V.L. Bekenev ◽  
Yu.M. Solonin
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Structure ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Valence Band ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Emission Spectroscopy ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Renewable Energy Systems ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Valence Band Region

— The electronic structure of hexagonal WO3 and triclinic CuWO4 nanocrystals, prospective materials for renewable energy production and functional devices, has been studied using the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) methods. The present XPS and XES results render that the W 5d-and O 2p-like states contribute throughout the whole valence-band region of the h-WO3 and CuWO4 nanocrystalline materialls, however maximum contributions of the O 2p-like states occur in the upper, whilst the W 5d-like states in the lower portions of the valence band, respectively.

Enhancements in X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy for Improved Materials Characterization

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (S02) ◽  
pp. 118-119
Author(s):  
D Surman
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Materials Characterization ◽  
X Ray

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2005

scholarly journals Active layer analysis of interpenetrating heterojunction organic thin-film solar cells by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

2014 ◽  
Vol 554 ◽  
pp. 222-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuro Hori ◽  
Akitoshi Semba ◽  
Sunghwan Lee ◽  
Hitoshi Kubo ◽  
Akihiko Fujii ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
Active Layer ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Thin Film Solar Cells ◽  
Organic Thin Film ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Layer Analysis

scholarly journals Biofunctionalisation of Gallium Arsenide with Neutravidin

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Santos Gomes ◽  
David Morgan ◽  
Wolfgang Langbein ◽  
Paola Borri ◽  
Francesco Masia
Keyword(s):  
Spectroscopic Ellipsometry ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Gaas Surface ◽  
Biomolecular Recognition ◽  
Surface Characterisation ◽  
X Ray ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Surface Functionalisation ◽  
New Generation

<div>We report a study presenting a physicochemical surface characterisation of the GaAs surface along the functionalisation with a high-affinity bioconjugation pair widely explored in the life</div><div>sciences: biotin and neutravidin. Combined X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), wettability measurements and spectroscopic ellipsometry were used for a reliable characterisation of the surface functionalisation process. The results suggest that a film with a thickness lower than 10nm was formed, with a neutravidin to biotin ratio of 1:25 on the GaAs surface. Reduction of non-specific binding of the protein to the surface was achieved by optimising the protein buffer and rinsing steps. This study shows the feasibility of using GaAs as a platform for specific biomolecular recognition, paving the way to a new generation of optoelectronic biosensors.</div>

scholarly journals Effect of Dispersant Concentration With Friction Modifiers and Anti-Wear Additives on the Tribofilm Composition and Boundary Friction

2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Umer ◽  
N. J. Morris ◽  
R. Rahmani ◽  
H. Rahnejat ◽  
S. Howell-Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Cylinder Liner ◽  
Boundary Friction ◽  
Friction Modifiers ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Engine Oils ◽  
Low Viscosity ◽  
Reduced Viscosity ◽  
New Generation

Abstract To extend drain intervals and improve efficiency, new engine oils with increased dispersant concentration and reduced viscosity are required. Low viscosity engine oils can increase the prevalence of boundary friction at low temperature and increase its severity at higher temperatures. As a result, combinations of organic and inorganic friction modifiers (FM) will be used to reduce boundary friction across a range of temperatures, also preventing damage to vehicle catalysts. This paper presents an experimental case study of such a new generation of fully formulated engine lubricants with varying concentrations of polyisobutylene succinimide dispersant, organic, and inorganic FM. Representative conditions pertaining to those encountered at the top dead center reversal of the piston compression ring-cylinder liner contact are created, and the generated friction measured through use of a sliding-strip tribometry. Subsequently, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to determine the composition of the formed surface tribofilms in order to explain the observed frictional characteristics. The key interactions and frictional behavior of the dispersant and friction modifiers are highlighted across a range of operating temperatures.

scholarly journals The in situ synthesis of PbS nanocrystals from lead(II) n -octylxanthate within a 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene–bisphenol A dimethacrylate sulfur copolymer

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (8) ◽  
pp. 170383 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. D. McNaughter ◽  
J. C. Bear ◽  
A. G. Mayes ◽  
I. P. Parkin ◽  
P. O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Thin Films ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Polymer Thin Film ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Pbs Nanocrystals ◽  
Nanocrystal Synthesis ◽  
New Generation

The synthesis of lead sulfide nanocrystals within a solution processable sulfur ‘inverse vulcanization’ polymer thin film matrix was achieved from the in situ thermal decomposition of lead(II) n -octylxanthate, [Pb(S 2 COOct) 2 ]. The growth of nanocrystals within polymer thin films from single-source precursors offers a faster route to networks of nanocrystals within polymers when compared with ex situ routes. The ‘inverse vulcanization’ sulfur polymer described herein contains a hybrid linker system which demonstrates high solubility in organic solvents, allowing solution processing of the sulfur-based polymer, ideal for the formation of thin films. The process of nanocrystal synthesis within sulfur films was optimized by observing nanocrystal formation by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Examination of the film morphology by scanning electron microscopy showed that beyond a certain precursor concentration the nanocrystals formed were not only within the film but also on the surface suggesting a loading limit within the polymer. We envisage this material could be used as the basis of a new generation of materials where solution processed sulfur polymers act as an alternative to traditional polymers.

Analysis of Zinc Compound Buffer Layers in Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 Thin Film Solar Cells by Synchrotron-Based Soft X-Ray Spectroscopy

2003 ◽  
Vol 763 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Lauermann ◽  
M. Bär ◽  
A. Ennaoui ◽  
U. Fiedeler ◽  
Ch-H. Fischer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Thin Film Solar Cell ◽  
Emission Spectroscopy ◽  
Buffer Layers ◽  
Thin Film Solar Cells ◽  
Interface Properties ◽  
Specific Chemical ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Surface And Interface

AbstractZinc-based buffer layers like ZnSe, ZnS, or wet-chemically deposited ZnO on Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 absorber materials (CIGSSe) have yielded thin film solar cell efficiencies comparable to or even higher than standard CdS/CIGSSe cells. However, little is known about surface and interface properties of these novel buffer layers. In this contribution we characterize the specific chemical environment at the absorber/buffer-interface using X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES) and Photoelectron Spectroscopy (PES) in a complementary way. Evidence of intermixing and chemical reactions is found for different buffer materials and deposition methods.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document