An Introduction to Surface Analysis by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

The surface of a material is the key interface at which chemical reactions, degradation and wearing processes occur. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful tool for examining the composition and chemistry of the surface, with the inherent surface specificity limiting the information gathered to the outermost 5-10 nm, thereby elucidating the properties of coatings, gathering information on degradation processes and developing materials for novel applications. I will outline some interesting examples of the application of XPS in industrially-relevant systems and demonstrate the importance of access to both world-class equipment and expert analysts facilitated by the University of Warwick.