A lab-based ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectrometer with exchangeable analysis chambers.

Area of Science:

• Surface Science
• Spectroscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) is crucial for surface analysis.
• Existing systems have limitations in probing samples under varying pressures.
• There is a need for versatile APXPS systems for energy and environmental research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and commission a new lab-based APXPS system.
• To evaluate the system's performance with interchangeable analysis chambers.
• To enable the study of interfacial processes under ambient vapor conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel lab-based APXPS instrument.
• Utilized silver (Ag) foil for Ag 3d(5/2) analysis.
• Tested optimal parameters including sample-to-aperture distance and analysis spot size.
• Assessed performance under varying N2(g) pressures up to 20 Torr.

Main Results:

• Determined optimal electrostatic lens modes (acceleration, transmission, angular) for Ag 3d(5/2) analysis.
• Characterized peak areas, differential pumping pressures, and pump performance.
• Validated the system's capability to operate at Torr level pressures.

Conclusions:

• The new APXPS system is successfully commissioned.
• It provides a powerful tool for surface-sensitive, elemental, and chemical analysis.
• The instrument facilitates research on molecular-level interfacial processes in energy and environmental applications.