X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Applied to Analysis of Metal Surfaces

Abstract

This article reviews X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy by which valuable information has recently been obtained for passive films on corrosion resistant alloys through analysis of surfaces. Included are the methods for calibration of binding energy of photoelectron and for obtaining integrated intensities of individual spectra after separation of superposed spectra from different valence-states of an element. By the use of integrated intensities, the thickness and composition of surface film and the composition of substrate alloy immediately under the surface film can be determined simultaneously. The convenient methods for qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses are also interpreted. Brief description is made for the works by many investigators in which X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been applied to analyze surface films formed on alloys in various environments.