Ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy: A new tool for surface science and nanotechnology

Salmeron, M. (Univ. of California, Berkeley, USA); Schlogl, R.

Source: Surface Science Reports, v 63, n 4, 30 April 2008, 169-99

ISSN: 0167-5729 CODEN: SSREDI

Publisher: Elsevier Science B.V., Netherlands

Abstract: The present review has highlighted the technique of high pressure photoemission or ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy. While the technique is still young and its potential has not yet fully developed, we have already shown that it can have a substantial impact in areas of environmental and atmospheric chemistry that involve liquid water and ice. We have shown its usefulness in the catalysis area for analysis of surface species, reactants and products during the reaction conditions, and throwing experimental light on the transition from surface-dominated reactions to sub-surface- induced chemistry. This transition represents a good deal of the “material gap” problem in model catalysis and is now directly accessible. Much more work has to be done to apply the method to insulating materials where the intense synchrotron beam can cause problems of charging and of beam modification. With the advent of more instruments at various synchrotrons it is expected that other areas of material and nanoscience will benefit from these developments. For such potential new areas the possibilities and limitations of the method outlined in this review will also apply. When novel phenomena are being discovered care should be taken not to be misled by the enormous sensitivity of the technique against spurious contamination, beam damage and differential charging that can complicate the interpretation of the data. [All rights reserved Elsevier]. (117 refs.)

terms:  adsorption  -  atmospheric chemistry  -  catalysis  -  nanotechnology  -  photoelectron spectra  -  reviews  -  surface chemistry