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Eingeladener Vortrag
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In this article the question of the certification of calibration samples for the characterisation of advanced thin film materials is addressed within the framework of reliable process control or quality management purposes. Reference measurement techniques can be used in order to address the gap in appropriate certified reference materials (CRMs) for thin film analyses. They allow for qualifying out-of-production samples originating from an operating production line as calibration samples. As a template for this procedure, CIGS [Cu(In,Ga)Se2] layers, that are absorber layers for high efficiency thin-film solar cells, have been used for establishing and validating reference-free X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and Auger-electron spectroscopy (AES) as reference measurement techniques. The focus was on determining the average mole fractions in the CIGS layers obtaining results traceable to the SI unit system. Reference-free XRF is physically traceable and is based upon radiometrically calibrated instrumentation and knowledge of atomic fundamental data. Sputter-assisted AES can be established as a chemically traceable method after careful calibration using a certified reference material (CRM) based on a total number counting method.
This application note presents how EnviroESCA can be used to analyze bacterial samples under near ambient pressure conditions in various states of hydration using different levels of humidity. Such investigations of bacterial cell wall surfaces in their hydrated state are essential for studying biological interfaces at work.
The use of innovative near-ambient pressure (NAP-)XPS instrumentation allows the detailed analysis of irregularly-surfaced biofilms. NAP-XPS enables the surface analysis of bacterial samples in their natural hydrated state without complex sample preparation techniques such as freeze-drying or fast-freezing, which are needed for XPS analysis in ultrahigh vacuum.
Understanding the mechanism of interactions of nanomaterials at biointerfaces is a crucial issue to develop new antimicrobial vectors. In this work, a series of water-soluble fullerene-polyglycerol sulfates (FPS) with different fullerene/polymer weight ratios and varying numbers of polyglycerol sulfate branches are synthesized, characterized, and their interactions with two distinct surfaces displaying proteins involved in target cell recognition are investigated. The combination of polyanionic branches with a solvent exposed variable hydrophobic core in FPS proves to be superior to analogs possessing only one of these features in preventing interaction of vesicular Stomatitis virus coat glycoprotein (VSV-G) with baby hamster kidney cells serving as a model of host cell. Interference with L-selectin-ligand binding is dominated by the negative charge, which is studied by two assays: a competitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based inhibition assay and the leukocyte cell (NALM-6) rolling on ligands under flow conditions. Due to possible intrinsic hydrophobic and electrostatic effects of synthesized compounds, pico- to nanomolar half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) are achieved. With their highly antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, together with good biocompatibility, FPS are promising candidates for the future development towards biomedical applications.
A scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM)‐based methodology is introduced for determining the dimensions (shell thickness, core and total diameter) of core‐shell nanoparticles, which exhibit a strong X‐ray absorption contrast and a well‐defined interface between core and shell material. A low radiation dosage during data acquisition and, therefore, less X‐ray beam‐induced damage of the sample is achieved by recording STXM images only at 2 predetermined energies of maximum Absorption contrast, instead of recording a stack of images across the whole absorption edge.
A model core‐shell nanoparticle, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) cores with polystyrene (PS) shell, is used for demonstration. Near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy confirms the significant difference in X‐ray absorption behavior between PTFE and PS. Additionally, because of the insolubility of styrene in PTFE a well‐defined interface between particle core and shell is expected. To validate the STXM results, both the naked PTFE cores as well as the complete core‐shell nanoparticles are examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The introduced STXM‐based methodology yields particle dimensions in agreement with the SEM results and provides additional information such as the position of the particle core, which cannot be extracted from a SEM micrograph.
Following the 2017 meeting, progress with the Key Comparison CCQM-K153 related to the BET specific surface lead by UNIIM and the Pilot Study P-190 “Thickness Measurement of nm HfO2 Films” lead by KRISS will be discussed.
The 16th meeting of SAWG will focus on
•survey on CMC claims submitted with reference to K-129 and K-136.
•the overall and SAWG specific aspects of the CCQM Strategy process,
•a consideration of comparisons on convention methods as recommended by the CCQM Plenary Meeting 2017,
•the 2019 CCQM Workshop and paper(s) for Metrologia’s Special Issue,
•discussion of future comparisons.
Graphene and its derivatives have recently attracted much attention for sensing and deactivating pathogens. However, the mechanism of multivalent interactions at the graphene–pathogen interface is not fully understood. Since different physicochemical parameters of graphene play a role at this interface, control over graphene’s structure is necessary to study the mechanism of these interactions. In this work, different graphene derivatives and also zwitterionic graphene nanomaterials (ZGNMs) were synthesized with defined exposure, in terms of polymer coverage and functionality, and isoelectric points. Then, the switchable interactions of these nanomaterials with E. coli and Bacillus cereus were investigated to study the validity of the generally proposed “trapping” and “nano-knives” mechanisms for inactivating bacteria by graphene derivatives. It was found that the antibacterial activity of graphene derivatives strongly depends on the accessible area, i.e. edges and basal plane of sheets and tightness of their agglomerations. Our data clearly confirm the authenticity of “trapping” and “nano-knives” mechanisms for the antibacterial activity of graphene sheets.
Reliable standards are required to support research and development as well as end-user in application. Appropriate standards have to fulfill three requirements: small uncertainty, easy to use and low overall costs of application. For calibration of microscopes at nanoscale and/or element analysis special requirements for standards are given, which are challenging in manufacture.
This application note presents how EnviroESCA can be used to analyze E. coli biofilms on silicon under near ambient pressure conditions in various states of hydration. Such investigations of the outer bacterial cell surface in their hydrated state are essential for studying biological interfaces at work.
ISO/TR 19693:2018—Surface chemical analysis—Characterization of functional glass substrates for biosensing applications gives an overview of methods, strategies, and guidance to identify possible sources of problems related to substrates, device production steps (cleaning, activation, and chemical modification), and shelf life (storage conditions and aging). It is particularly relevant for surface chemical analysts characterizing glass‐based biosensors, and developers or quality managers in the biosensing device production community. Based on quantitative and qualitative surface chemical analysis, strategies for identifying the cause of poor Performance during device manufacturing can be developed and implemented. A review of measurement capabilities of surface analytical methods is given to assist readers from the biosensing community.
The international ISO Standard 20579‐4, dealing with the history and preparation of nano‐objects for surface analysis, has been developed to help address some of the replication and reproducibility issues caused by the fundamental nature of nanoobjects.
Although all types of samples requiring surface analysis need thoughtful preparation, nano‐objects, for which many properties are controlled by their surfaces, present additional challenges in order to avoid variations and artefacts due to the handling and preparation of materials prior to analysis. This international standard is part of a series of standards related to preparation of samples for surface chemical analysis. Parts 1 and 2 of ISO Standard series 20579 address general issues that apply to many samples. Part 3, which is still in development, will focus on biomaterials. Part 4 specifically considers issues that arise due to the inherent nature of nano‐objects.
Because of sensitivity to their environment, the standard indicates the minimum Information that needs to be reported about the handling and preparation of nano‐objects prior to surface analysis. This information should become part of sample provenance information that helps assure the reliability and usefulness of data obtained from surface‐analysis in the context of the synthesis, processing, and analysis history of a batch of material. Application of this standard can help address reproducibility and traceability issues associated with synthesis, processing, and characterization of nano‐objects in research and commercial applications.
Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon network with unique properties. However, its low solubility, poor reactivity and the limited accessibility of a well-defined basal plane are major challenges for applications. An ideal method to overcome these problems is the covalent attachment of functional molecules to its surface which enable further reactive modifications for specific applications. There are several technologies for surface functionalization of graphene and related CNT materials. To get control on the functionalization process and to optimize the performance of the modified surfaces analytical tools for surface chemical characterization are required. X-ray absorption (NEXAFS) and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been identified to be rather powerful here [1-3]. Specifically, NEXAFS spectroscopy underpinned by quantum chemical spectrum simulations [4] is unique in a way to address changes of aromaticity and defect formation at the graphene surface during functionalization.
For relevant surface modification technologies, we present examples on how NEXAFS and XPS can do a good job. All presented modifications aim on the production of platforms for defined functional 2D nanomaterials, as for example multifunctional hybrid architectures. In detail, we investigated:
• A wet chemical method for covalent functionalization of graphene sheets by a one-pot nitrene [2+1] cycloaddition reaction under mild conditions. Here a reaction between 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine and sodium azide with thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) results in defined dichlorotriazine-functionalized graphene sheets.
• Graphene and carbon nanotube functionalized by Vacuum-Ultraviolet (VUV) induced photochemical or r.f. cw low pressure plasma processes to introduce amino, hydroxy or brominated functionalities.
To underpin finger-print information delivered by C K-edge NEXAFS we studied the effects of selected point and line defects as well as chemical modifications for a single graphene layer model by density functional theory based spectrum simulations.
References
[1] P.-L. Girard-Lauriault et al., Appl. Surf. Sci., 258 2012 8448-8454, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2012.03.012
[2] A. Lippitz et al., Surf. Sci., 611 2013 L1-L7, DOI: 10.1016/j.susc.2013.01.020
[3] A. Faghani et al., Angew. Chemie (International ed.), 56 2017 2675-2679, DOI:10.1002/anie.201612422
[4] C. Ehlert, et al., Phys.Chem.Chem.Phys., 16 2014 14083-14095, DOI: 10.1039/c4cp01106f
In this talk sample prep/handling, instrument calibration and data acquisition methods with examples from XPS, Auger and SIMS will be addressed in terms of their contributions to the reproducibility of data delivered by the methods.
Active parties in the field are VAMAS TWA 2 “Surface chemical analysis” (http://www.vamas.org/twa2/index.html), ISO/TC 201 “Surface chemical analysis” (https://www.iso.org/committee/54618.html) and the Surface Analysis Working Group (SAWG) at the International Meter Convention (https://www.bipm.org/en/ committees/cc/wg/sawg.html). The tools to improve the reproducibility of spectra, depth profiles and images at these international platforms are inter-laboratory comparisons, validated SOPs, standards and certified reference materials (CRM) as well as uncertainty budgets and establishment of traceability chains. The last point is of specific importance because all the methods, XPS, Auger and SIMS, are not primary methods.
To address quantitative XPS, AES and SIMS results of relevant inter-laboratory comparisons organized by SAWG considering measurands as alloy surface composition and thickness of thin films will be introduced. These comparisons delivered results which are viewed to be benchmarking, some of them resulted in ISO/TC 201 standards. For quantitative XPS and AES the principal outline of an uncertainty budget will be discussed together with the audience. Another issue of quantitative XPS which definitely needs consideration are valid methods for a determination of the transmission function of the instruments and even for the emission angle in the respective experiments.
Concerning the field of depth profiling it has to be investigated together with the audience whether the ISO (or ASTM) standards we have are sufficient to guarantee comparable results. Having in mind the number of different sputter ion species available today and range of samples of interest (metals, semiconductors, organic films) this might be questionable. And, how do depth profiling by AR-XPS and variable excitation energy XPS compete here?
For imaging surface chemical analysis, the characterization of the imaging system is an issue to be investigated. Here the determination of lateral resolution is a relevant topic.
Finally, the future needs to develop metrology for new applications e.g., ambient-pressure XPS, bio samples, and core-shell nanoparticles, will be issues raised for a discussion with the audience.
Surface characterisation of Escherichia coli under various conditions by near-ambient pressure XPS
(2018)
Bacteria are inherently in a hydrated state and therefore not compatible to ultra-high vacuum techniques such as XPS without prior sample preparation involving freeze drying or fast freezing.
This has changed with the development of near-ambient pressure (NAP)-XPS, which makes it possible to characterise the bacterial surface with minimal sample preparation. This paper presents NAP-XPS measurements of Escherichia coli under various NAP conditions: at 11 mbar in a humid environment, at 2 mbar after drying in the chamber, pre-dried at 4 mbar, and at 1 mbar after overnight pumping at 10^−4 mbar. The high-resolution spectra of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are presented and found to be in general agreement with XPS measurements from freeze-dried and fast-frozen bacteria. However, it was found that the amount of carbon components associated with polysaccharides increases relative to aliphatic carbon during drying and increases further after overnight pumping. This implies that drying has an impact on the bacterial surface.
Thermoresponsive polymer coatings can facilitate cell sheet fabrication under mild conditions by promoting cell adhesion and proliferation at 37 1C. At lower temperatures the detachment of confluent cell sheets is triggered without enzymatic treatment. Thus, confluent cell sheets with intact extracellular matrix for regenerative medicine or tissue engineering applications become available. Herein, we applied the previously identified structural design parameters of functional, thermoresponsive poly(glycidyl ether) brushes on gold to the more application-relevant substrate glass via the self-assembly of a corresponding block copolymer (PGE-AA) with a short surface-reactive, amine-presenting anchor block. Both, physical and covalent immobilization on glass via either multivalent ionic interactions of the anchor block with bare glass or the coupling of the anchor block to a polydopamine (PDA) adhesion layer on glass resulted in stable coatings. Atomic force microscopy revealed a high degree of roughness of covalently attached coatings on the PDA adhesion layer, while physically attached coatings on bare glass were smooth and in the brush-like regime. Cell sheets of primary human dermal fibroblasts detached reliably (86%) and within 20 ± 10 min from physically tethered PGE-AA coatings on glass when prepared under cloud point grafting conditions. The presence of the laterally inhomogeneous PDA adhesion layer, however, hindered the spontaneous temperature-triggered cell detachment from covalently grafted PGE-AA, decreasing both detachment rate and reliability. Despite being only physically attached, self-assembled monolayer brushes of PGE-AA block copolymers on glass are functional and stable thermoresponsive coatings for application in cell sheet fabrication of human fibroblasts as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
The proposed ISO Technical Report provides a description of a variety of physical methods of analytical chemistry by which bacteria and biofilms can be analysed. The state of the art, sample requirements and strengths associated with each method are identified. Presented at the DIN-meeting for NA 062-08-16 AA „Chemische Oberflächenanalyse und Rastersondenmikroskopie“
Biomedical applications, including functional biomaterials, carbohydrate-arrays, and glycan-based biosensors.
The chemistry of glycan immobilization plays an essential role in the bioavailability and function of surface bound carbohydrate moieties. For biomedical applications the stability over time (shelf life) of glycan arrays is a crucial factor. Herein we report on approaches for surface and interface characterization relevant to the needs of production of glycan microarrays which were tested using model carbohydrate surfaces. For detailed characterization of glycan model surfaces we used a combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) and ToF SIMS which are complementary techniques of surface chemical analysis. Links to fluorescence spectroscopy often used for characterization in the microarray community were established as well. In detail, amine-reactive silicon oxide and glass surfaces were used for anchoring oligosaccharides with an amino linker. The amount of surface bound carbohydrates was estimated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Glycan immobilization was investigated using lectins, which are glycan-binding molecules. A shelf life study of model glycan microarrays on epoxy-coated glass surfaces was done over a period of 160 days under different storage conditions utilizing fluorescence, ToF-SIMS and XPS analysis. It was shown that glycan activity of the models used can be maintained at least for half a year of storage at 4 °C.
Modification of polyethylene and polypropylene surfaces by atmospheric-pressure plasmas using mixtures of nitrogen and hydrogen was studied using Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflection mode (FTIR-ATR) and by near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) in order to shed some light on the chemical nature of nitrogen-containing functional Groups on the polymer surface. Using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy combined with hydrogendeuterium isotope exchange of active hydrogen atoms, it was shown that the direct treatment of PE foils by dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) in N2/H2 mixtures and a subsequent exposure of the samples to the ambient air results in the formation of –NH2 moieties of primary amides on the polymer surface. Corresponding in situ experiments with streaming N2/H2 DBD post-discharges virtually free of H2O and O2, on the other hand, showing the absence of –NH2, proving that no primary amines or amides are formed by this treatment although substantial amounts of nitrogen are incorporated. Moreover, directly N2/H2-plasma-treated polymer surfaces, similar to afterglow-treated low-density polyethylene (LDPE), show amphiphilic character as to be seen by chemical derivatization with nucleophilic reagents 4-(trifluoromethyl) phenylhydrazine and 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzylamine, in addition to electrophilic aromatic aldehydes normally
used to derivatize such surfaces.
The presence of imines or other functional groups with CN moieties which may be invoked to explain the dual (amphiphilic) reactivity is proven by NEXAFS studies on ultrathin plasma-treated PE films, confirming significant amounts of nitrogen in CN bonds and carbon in CC bonds.
This paper describes austenitic-ferritic duplex stainless steels, SAF 2205, in the presence of hydrogen. The duplex stainless steels (DSS) properties include excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking, high strength and good weldability. Those steels are preferably used in industries combining hydrogen and loads. Hydrogen location in addition to hydrogen binding energy with the steel's defects are of great importance for the analysis of hydrogen embrittlement model in that steel. It is known from previously published works that the susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement will depend on the competition between reversible and irreversible traps; meaning a direct relation to the hydrogen's state and position in the steel. In this work, we examine the local hydrogen concentration, trapping and distribution by two modern and advanced techniques: thermal desorption spectrometry (TDS) and we support it by time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF-SIMS). In this paper, we support and give for the first time new insights and better understanding to the hydrogen embrittlement mechanism in SAF 2205. The trapping energies levels were calculated using TDS and Lee and Lee's model. This model revealed reversible in addition to irreversible trapping sites. Also the trapping controlling mechanism was found to be a combination of detrapping controlled mechanism and diffusion controlled mechanism. The use of ToF-SIMS for local imaging the distribution of hydrogen species supports the discussion of the different hydrogen traps in this type of steel. The hydrogen embrittlemet phenomenon in SAF 2205 will be discussed in details in that paper.
The certified reference material BAM-L200, a nanoscale stripe pattern for length calibration and specification of lateral resolution, is described. BAM-L200 is prepared from a cross-sectioned epitaxially grown layer stack of AlxGa1-xAs and InxGa1 xAs on a GaAs substrate. The surface of BAM-L200 provides a flat pattern with stripe widths ranging down to 1 nm. Calibration distances, grating periods and stripe widths have been certified by TEM with traceability to the length unit. The combination of gratings, isolated narrow stripes and sharp edges of wide stripes offers a plenty of options for the determination of lateral resolution, sharpness and calibration of length scale at selected settings of imaging surface analytical instruments. The feasibility of the reference material for an analysis of the lateral resolution is demonstrated in detail by evaluation of ToF-SIMS, AES and EDX images. Other applications developed in the community are summarized, too. BAM-L200 fully supports the implementation of the revised International Standard ISO 18516 (in preparation) which is based on knowledge outlined in the Technical Report ISO/TR 19319:2013.
The sonication process is commonly used for de-agglomerating and dispersing nanomaterials in aqueous based media, necessary to improve homogeneity and stability of the suspension. In this study, a systematic step-wise approach is carried out to identify optimal sonication conditions in order to achieve a stable dispersion. This approach has been adopted and shown to be suitable for several nanomaterials (cerium oxide, zinc oxide, and carbon nanotubes) dispersed in deionized (DI) water. However, with any change in either the nanomaterial type or dispersing medium, there needs to be optimization of the basic protocol by adjusting various factors such as sonication time, power, and sonicator type as well as temperature rise during the process. The approach records the dispersion process in detail. This is necessary to identify the time Points as well as other above-mentioned conditions during the sonication process in which there may be undesirable changes, such as damage to the particle surface thus affecting surface properties. Our goal is to offer a harmonized approach that can control the Quality of the final, produced dispersion. Such a guideline is instrumental in ensuring dispersion quality repeatability in the nanoscience community, particularly in the field of nanotoxicology.
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle clusters (mnpc) coated with organic stabilizers were investigated using scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM). Simultaneous surface and bulk sensitive Fe L3 edge absorption spectra, obtained using a photomultiplier tube and a channeltron, were used to detect subtle changes in the oxidation state in the surface and bulk of Iron Oxide mnpc.
The effectiveness of this mode of STXM operation is demonstrated for These nanoparticle clusters.
A sealable ultrathin window sample cell for the study of liquids by means of soft X-ray spectroscopy
(2017)
A new sample cell concept for the analysis of liquids or solid-liquid interfaces using soft X-ray spectroscopy is presented, which enables the complete sealing of the cell as well as the Transport into vacuum via, for example, a load-lock system. The cell uses pressure monitoring and active as well as passive pressure regulation systems, thereby facilitating the full control over the pressure during filling, sealing, evacuation, and measurement. The cell design and sample preparation as well as the crucial sealing procedure are explained in detail. As a first proof-of-principle experiment, successful nitrogen K-edge fluorescence yield near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure experiments of a biomolecular solution are presented. For this purpose, it is shown that the careful evaluation of all involved parameters, such as window type or photon flux, is desirable for optimizing the experimental result.
Role of metal cations in plasmon-catalyzed oxidation: A case study of p-aminothiophenol dimerization
(2017)
The mechanism of the plasmon-catalyzed reaction of p-aminothiophenol (PATP) to 4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) on the surface of metal nanoparticles has been discussed using data from surface-enhanced Raman scattering of DMAB. Oxides and hydroxides formed in a plasmon-catalyzed process were proposed to play a central role in the reaction. Here, we report DMAB formation on gold nanoparticles occurring in the presence of the metal cations Ag+, Au3+, Pt4+, and Hg2+. The experiments were carried out under conditions where formation of gold oxide or hydroxide from the nanoparticles can be excluded and at high pH where the formation of the corresponding oxidic species from the metal ions is favored. On the basis of our results, we conclude that, under these conditions, the selective oxidation of PATP to DMAB takes place via formation of a metal oxide from the ionic species in a plasmon-catalyzed process. By evidencing the necessity of the presence of the metal cations, the reported results underpin the importance of metal oxides in the reaction.
Water and aqueous reagents are essential in any biological process or system. But apart from a few special low vapor-pressure cases, liquids have not been accessible to any technique requiring UHV conditions. EnviroESCA opens up this exciting field of applications.
In this paper first results from water based samples are presented as a proof of concept to demonstrate the special capabilities of EnviroESCA analyzing liquid samples. The following solutions were investigated under near ambient pressure conditions: i.) water, ii.) brine, iii.) an oil in water dispersion, iv.) aqueous iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate, and v.) a suspension of nano silver particles in water.
A controlled, reproducible, gram-scale method is reported for the covalent functionalization of graphene Sheets by a one-pot nitrene [2+1] cycloaddition reaction under mild conditions. The reaction between commercially available 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine and sodium azide with thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) results in defined dichlorotriazine-functionalized sheets. The different reactivities of the chlorine substituents on the functionalized graphene allow stepwise post-modification by manipulating the temperature.
This new method provides unique access to defined bifunctional 2D nanomaterials, as exemplified by chiral surfaces and multifunctional hybrid architectures.
The use of duplex stainless steels (DSS) in energy related applications is well known. Nowadays, DSS steels become more favorable than austenitic steels due to the outstanding mechanical properties, the good corrosion resistance and the lower nickel content. However, the use of the duplex grade in acidic environments such as seawater often leads to severe degradation of the structural integrity of the steel by hydrogen-induced/assisted cracking (HAC) phenomena, which can eventually result in premature failure. Hydrogen assisted degradation and cracking of steels are active fields of research even though this topic is intensively studied for more than a century. A bottleneck is the analytical validation of the theoretical models proposed ion the literature at the sub-micron scale.
Industrial and the research communities see a need for an accurate analytical method by which it is possible to image the distribution of hydrogen in the microstructure of a steels or and other alloys. Among the very few available methods hydrogen imaging methods, Time-of-Flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) has the principal capability for mapping of hydrogen in a steel’s microstructure. The combination of ToF-SIMS with multivariate data analysis (MVA), electron microscopy (SEM) and electron-backscattered diffraction (EBSD) is a powerful approach for providing chemical and structural information. The use of data fusion techniques has been shown recently to enhance the better understanding of the hydrogen induced degradation processes in in a DSS steel.
CCQM has established a framework of comparisons to demonstrate the international comparability of chemical measurements. The key point is the establishment of comparable measurements, with traceability to internationally or nationally stated references.
Originally initiated by Dr Martin P Seah, NPL, the Surface Analysis Working Group (SAWG) has been formally founded in 2003. The following terms of reference were presented to CCQM in April 2002. CCQM ratified the group as a full working group of CCQM in April 2003 with these terms of reference:
- to develop pilot studies and carry out key comparisons of national measurement standards for surface and micro/nano-analysis;
- to assist in identifying and establishing inter-laboratory work to improve the traceability of surface and micro/nano-analysis;
- to establish and update a work plan to be adopted by CCQM;
- to discuss and review the scope of the working group and to liase with other working groups related to nanotechnology.
Following the 2016 meeting, the Key Comparison K-129 "Measurement of atomic fractions in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Films" lead by KRISS and the Key Comparison K-136 on "BET specific surface area of nanoporous Al2O3" lead by UNIIM&BAM have been finished in 2016.
The 15th meeting of SAWG will focus on
- survey on CMC claim submitted with reference to K-129 and K-136.
- the overall and SAWG specific aspects of the CCQM Strategy process,
- a joint meeting with the Inorganic Working Group addressing number concentrations of nano particles,
- discussion of future comparisons.
An electron effective attenuation length (EAL) of 1.68nm for Al Kα excited Pd 3d 5/2 photoelectrons with a kinetic energy of 1.152 keV has been determined experimentally using a sputtered Pd film deposited on an ultra flat fused quartz substrate. The film thickness was reduced by Ar ion sputtering several times in order to obtain different Pd film thicknesses which are used to determine experimental EAL values. These results are compared to data generated by using a Simulation of Electron Spectra for Surface Analysis (SESSA) simulation using an inelastic mean free path (IMFP) calculated with the Tanuma–Powell–Penn (TPP)-2M formula and with ‘elastic scattering on and off’. Contributions to the uncertainty budget related to the experimental approach are discussed in detail. Proposals on how to further improve the approach are suggested.
The effect of electrochemical charging of hydrogen on the structure of a lean duplex stainless steel LDX 2101® (EN 1.4162, UNS S32101) was examined by both Time-of-Flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and electron back-scatter diffraction. The goal is to correlate hydrogen concentration and induced structural changes. Chemical and structural characterizations were done for the same region at the sample's surface with sub-micron spatial resolution. Regions of interest were varying in size between 50 × 50 μm and 100 × 100 μm. The results show a phase transformation of austenite to mainly a defect-rich BCC and scarcely a HCP phase. The phase transformation occurred in deuterium rich regions in the austenite.
Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon network with unique properties, including high mechanical stiffness, strength, and elasticity, outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity, and many others. Despite these advantages, its low solubility, poor reactivity and the limited accessibility of a well-defined basal plane are major challenges for applications. An ideal method to overcome these problems is the covalent attachment of functional molecules to its surface which enables further reactive modifications for specific applications. There is a number of different technologies for surface functionalization of graphene and related CNT materials. However, to get control on the functionalization process and to optimize the performance of the modified surfaces analytical tools for surface chemical characterization are required. X-ray absorption (NEXAFS) and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been identified to be rather powerful here. Specifically NEXAFS spectroscopy underpinned by quantum chemical spectrum simulations is unique in a way to address changes of aromaticity and defect formation at the graphene surface during functionalization.
For relevant surface modification technologies, we present examples on how NEXAFS and XPS can perform well. All presented modifications aim on the production of platforms for defined functional 2D nanomaterials, as for example multifunctional hybrid architectures. In detail, we investigated:
• Graphene and carbon nanotube functionalized by a Vacuum-Ultraviolet (VUV) induced photochemical process in NH3 or O2 atmospheres in order to introduce amino or hydroxy functionalities, respectively.
• Br bonding on r.f. cw low pressure plasma brominated graphite surfaces by using Br2 and bromoform as plasma gases.
• A wet chemical method for covalent functionalization of graphene sheets by a one-pot nitrene [2+1] cycloaddition reaction under mild conditions. Here a reaction between 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine and sodium azide with thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) results in defined dichlorotriazine-functionalized graphene sheets.
A central challenge to ensure the sustainable production and use of nanotechnologies is to understand the risks for environment, health and safety associated with this technology and resulting materials and products, and to identify and implement practical strategies to minimize these risks. Knowledge about nanotechnology-enabled processes and products and related environment, health and safety issues is growing rapidly, achieved through numerous European or national R&D programs over the last decade, but effective use of this knowledge for risk management by market actors is lagging behind.
The EC4SafeNano initiative (www.EC4SafeNano.eu) is an ongoing effort to build a European Centre for Risk Management and Safe Innovation in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies. EC4SafeNano aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge on hazard and risk, and ‘fit-for-purpose’ risk management tools and strategies supported by measurement and control methods. The consortium comprises 15 partners (INERIS (coordinator), EU-VRi, TNO, BAM, FIOH, VITO, SP, DEMOKRITOS, TECNALIA, Health and Safety Executive, NRCWE, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Université Libre de Bruxelles, University of Birmingham and ENEA) from 11 European Member States with significant expertise on risk assessment and management, who already provide knowledge and technical services to public and private organizations, to industry and to public authorities and regulatory bodies.
The overall objective of the EC4SafeNano project is to develop a distributed Centre of European Organisations offering services for Risk Management and Safe Innovation for Nanomaterials & Nanotechnologies. The Centre will be structured as a hub-based network of organizations managed by a core group of public-oriented bodies providing risk management and safe innovation support to all stakeholders. It will be operated with the support of Associated Partners so as to expand its capabilities, resources and services. It will interact with existing platforms and centres of excellence in nanosafety and foster the organization or development of national hubs mirroring the European hub. The Centre will seek financial support from stakeholders and service users to sustain the services in the longer term.
The operational objectives of the project involve understanding and mapping the needs of the various stakeholders (private and public). It will identify the resources and capabilities and develop a range of harmonized services required to meet these needs. The construction of the centre will include putting in place and implementing processes to deliver and update services, to test and benchmark services, to evaluate the governance of the Centre, and developing a business plan to ensure self-sufficiency of the Centre beyond the project lifetime.
A cornerstone of the project is to build a community for risk management and safe innovation for nanotechnology. Interested persons or organisations are invited to join this initiative as registered stakeholders or Associated Partners, to engage in focus networks and to help shape the future Centre. The poster will present the EC4SafeNano initiative and will detail the role of registered stakeholders and Associated Partners.
Die Präsentation gibt einen Überblick über die verschiedenen Aktivitäten der BAM im Bereich der Nanotechnologie mit den Schwerpunkten Nanopartikel und Nanosicherheit. Es wird sowohl die Transportsicherheit, als auch die Sicherheit von Batterien mit Nanopartikeln angesprochen. Verschiedene BAM-Projekte zum Thema Nano werden vorgestellt, beginnend mit relevanten REFOPlanprojekten über die Erstellung der OECD nanoTG110 bis hin zu EU-Projekten zur Standardisierung von Messungen an Nanomaterialien, hier insbesondere AEROMET, NanoDefine, NanoValid und EC4SafeNano.
High resolution ToF-SIMS imaging of deuterium permeation and cracking in duplex stainless steels
(2017)
Fundamental understanding and elucidation of hydrogen assisted degradation and trapping mechanisms is dependent on sufficient imaging techniques for respective hydrogen interactions, in particular with multi-phase metallic microstructures. The present work shows the progress in elucidating the deuterium behavior in austenitic-ferritic duplex stainless steels under the consideration that deuterium behaves in many ways similarly to hydrogen. A novel combination of deuterium permeation and in-situ Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) imaging technique is compared with post charging ToF-SIMS imaging experiments. As a step beyond state-of-the-art, integration of chemo-metric and high resolution structural characterization techniques with computational multivariate data analysis (MVA) and data fusion is presented.
Detection of suspended nanoparticles with near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
(2017)
Two systems of suspended nanoparticles have been studied with near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: silver nanoparticles in water and strontium fluoride—calcium fluoride core-shell nanoparticles in ethylene glycol. The corresponding dry samples were measured under ultra high vacuum for comparison. The results obtained under near-ambient pressure were overall comparable to those obtained under ultra high vacuum, although measuring silver nanoparticles in water requires a high pass energy and a long acquisition time. A shift towards higher binding energies was found for the silver nanoparticles in aqueous Suspension compared to the corresponding dry sample, which can be assigned to a change of surface potential at the water-nanoparticle interface. The shell-thickness of the core-shell nanoparticles was estimated based on simulated spectra from the National Institute of Standards and Technology database for simulation of electron spectra for surface analysis. With the instrumental set-up presented in this paper, nanoparticle suspensions in a suitable Container can be directly inserted into the analysis chamber and measured without prior sample preparation.
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle clusters (mnpc) coated with organic stabilizers were investigated using scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM). Simultaneous surface and bulk sensitive Fe L₃ edge absorption spectra, obtained using a photomultiplier tube and a channeltron, were used to detect subtle changes in the oxidation state in the surface and bulk of Iron Oxide mnpc. The effectiveness of this mode of STXM operation is demonstrated for these nanoparticle clusters.
The phase behavior of a dendritic amphiphile containing a Newkome-type dendron as the hydrophilic moiety and a cholesterol unit as the hydrophobic segment is investigated at the air–liquid interface. The amphiphile forms stable monomolecular films at the air–liquid interface on different subphases. Furthermore, the mineralization of calcium Phosphate beneath the monolayer at different calcium and phosphate concentrations versus mineralization time shows that at low calcium and Phosphate concentrations needles form, whereas flakes and spheres dominate at higher concentrations. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron diffraction confirm the formation of calcium phosphate. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction confirm the predominant formation of octacalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite.
The data also indicate that the final products form via a complex multistep reaction, including an association step, where nano-needles aggregate into larger flake-like objects.
Micropatterns and nanopatterns of gold embedded in silver and titanium embedded in gold have been prepared by combining either photolithography or electron-beam lithography with a glue-free template-stripping procedure. The obtained patterned surfaces have been topographically characterized using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, showing a very low root-mean-square roughness (<0.5 nm), high coplanarity between the two metals (maximum height difference ≈ 2 nm), and topographical continuity at the bimetallic interface. Spectroscopic characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) has shown a sharp chemical contrast between the two metals at the interface for titanium patterns embedded in gold, whereas diffusion of silver into gold was observed for gold patterns embedded in silver. Surface flatness combined with a high chemical contrast makes the obtained surfaces suitable for applications involving functionalization with molecules by orthogonal adsorption chemistries or for instrumental calibration. The latter possibility has been tested by determining the image sharpness and the analyzed area on circular patterns of different sizes for each of the spectroscopic techniques applied for characterization.This is the first study in which the analyzed area has been determined using XPS and AES on a flat surface, and the first example of a method for determining the analyzed area using ToF-SIMS.
Research on carbohydrate based interactions with proteins, nucleic acids or antibodies has gained increased interest in the last years especially in clinical diagnosis or drug development. The efficiency of diagnostic interfaces depends upon the number of probe molecules, e.g. carbohydrates. The control of surface parameters as density and distribution of immobilized carbohydrates is essential for a reliable interaction with protein analytes. A controlled production of biomolecular interfaces can be reached by a stepwise quality control during buildup of these biointerfaces.
Here, ß-amino-cyclodextrin molecules were attached to amine-reactive silicon oxide surfaces via click chemistry to construct a model biosensor surface. The amount of surface bound carbohydrates was determined indirectly after chemical derivatization with 4-(trifluoromethyl)-benzylamine (TFMBA). Moreover, these surfaces were used to form host-guest complexes of ferrocene (guest) and β-cyclodextrin (host) moieties to mimic the target binding (sensing) of the model biosensor. Surface chemical analysis of all steps during biosensor construction was performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS). Our approach widens the possibilities to generate switchable surfaces based on ß-Cyclodextrin surfaces for biosensor applications.
Synchrotron-radiation XPS analysis of ultra-thin silane films: Specifying the organic silicon
(2016)
The analysis of chemical and elemental in-depth variations in ultra-thin organic layers with thicknesses below 5 nm is very challenging. Energy- and angle-resolved XPS (ER/AR-XPS) opens up the possibility for non-destructive chemical ultra-shallow depth profiling of the outermost surface layer of ultra-thin organic films due to its exceptional surface sensitivity. For common organic materials a reliable chemical in-depth analysis with a lower limit of the XPS information depth z95 of about 1 nm can be performed. As a proof-of-principle example with relevance for industrial applications the ER/AR-XPS analysis of different organic monolayers made of amino- or benzamidosilane molecules on silicon oxide surfaces is presented. It is demonstrated how to use the Si 2p core-level region to non-destructively depth-profile the organic (silane monolayer) inorganic (SiO2/Si) interface and how to quantify Si species, ranging from elemental silicon over native silicon oxide to the silane itself. The main advantage of the applied ER/AR-XPS method is the improved specification of organic from inorganic silicon components in Si 2p core-level spectra with exceptional low uncertainties compared to conventional laboratory XPS.
The quantitative determination of surface functional groups is approached in a straightforward laboratory-based method with high reliability. The application of a multimode BODIPY-type fluorescence, photometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) label allows estimation of the labeling ratio, i.e., the ratio of functional groups carrying a label after reaction, from the elemental ratios of nitrogen and fluorine. The amount of label on the surface is quantified with UV/vis spectrophotometry based on the molar absorption coefficient as molecular property. The investigated surfaces with varying density are prepared by codeposition of 3-(aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and cyanoethyltriethoxysilane
(CETES) from vapor. These surfaces show high functional group densities that result in significant fluorescence quenching of surface-bound labels. Since alternative quantification of the label on the surface is available through XPS and photometry, a novel method to quantitatively account for fluorescence quenching based on fluorescence lifetime (τ) measurements is shown. Due to the complex distribution of τ on high-density surfaces, the stretched exponential (or Kohlrausch) function is required to determine representative mean lifetimes. The approach is extended to a commercial Rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RITC) label, clearly revealing the problems that arise from such charged labels used in conjunction with silane surfaces.
CCQM has established a framework of comparisons to demonstrate the international comparability of chemical measurements. The key point is the establishment of comparable measurements, with traceability to internationally or nationally stated references. The Surface Analysis Working Group (SAWG) has been formally founded in 2003. CCQM ratified the group as a full working group of CCQM in April 2003 with these terms of reference:
- to develop pilot studies and carry out key comparisons of national measurement standards for surface and micro/nano-analysis;
- to assist in identifying and establishing inter-laboratory work to improve the traceability of surface and micro/nano-analysis;
- to establish and update a work plan to be adopted by CCQM;
- to discuss and review the scope of the working group and to liase with other working groups related to nanotechnology.
Following the 2015 meeting of the CCQM, the pilot study CCQM-P130 “WD and ED Electron Probe Micro Analysis on Au-Cu alloys” lead by BAM&NIST has been finalized. The Key Comparison K-129 “Measurement of atomic fractions in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Films” lead by KRISS has made substantial progress and is about to be finalized. The new Key Comparison K-136 on “BET specific surface of ” lead by UNIIM&BAM has made strong progress in 2015 and will be finished in 2016.
The implementation of new 2-D materials based technologies in production processes requires the development of quality management tools. These have to be underpinned by appropriate measurements. Consequently there is a need for the development of the metrology for measurement methods, the development of certified reference materials (CRM) and finally standardization. This chain represents the ideal way to practically useful standards. The presentation will give an overview on the main players in the field and summarize the recent status of activities. At the highest level the metrology of chemical characterization of 2D materials is in the scope of the International Meter Convention, specifically the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance: Metrology in Chemistry and Biology (CCQM). Pre-standardization is an activity field of the Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS). Standardization is mainly addressed by addressed ISO Technical Committees. A summary on available CRMs relevant to the characterization of nano materials has been prepared by BAM. Examples from the work of BAM’s Division 6.1 “Surface Analysis and Interfacial Chemistry” showcasing the characterization of chemically modified graphene surfaces are given and specific needs for the development of metrology are addressed.
In the discussion the audience is invited to define specific needs which will be streamlined to the respective bodies!
A model system was used to simulate the properties of tribofilms which form during automotive braking. The model system was prepared by ball milling of a blend of 70 vol.% iron oxides, 15 vol.% molybdenum disulfide and 15 vol.% graphite. The resulting mixture was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and various transmission electron microscopic (TEM) methods, including energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), high resolution investigations (HRTEM) with corresponding simulation of the HRTEM images, diffraction methods such as scanning nano-beam electron diffraction (SNBED) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). It could be shown that the ball milling caused a reduction of the grain size of the initial components to the nanometer range. Sometimes even amorphization or partial break-down of the crystal structure was observed for MoS2 and graphite. Moreover, chemical reactions lead to a formation of surface coverings of the nanoparticles by amorphous material, molybdenum oxides, and iron sulfates as derived from XPS.
Real Time Imaging of Deuterium in a Duplex Stainless Steel Microstructure by Time-of-Flight SIMS
(2016)
For more than one century, hydrogen assisted degradation of metallic microstructures has been identified as origin for severe technical component failures but the mechanisms behind have not yet been completely understood so far. Any in-situ observation of hydrogen transport phenomena in microstructures will provide more details for further elucidation of these degradation mechanisms. A novel experiment is presented which is designed to elucidate the permeation behaviour of deuterium in a microstructure of duplex stainless steel (DSS). A hydrogen permeation cell within a TOF-SIMS instrument enables electrochemical charging with deuterium through the inner surface of the cell made from DSS. The outer surface of the DSS permeation cell exposed to the vacuum has been imaged by TOF-SIMS vs. increasing time of charging with subsequent chemometric treatment of image data. This in-situ experiment showed evidently that deuterium is permeating much faster through the ferrite phase than through the austenite phase. Moreover, a direct proof for deuterium enrichment at the austenite-ferrite interface has been found.
In Near Edge X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy X-Ray photons are used to excite tightly bound core electrons to low-lying unoccupied orbitals of the system. This technique offers insight into the electronic structure of the system as well as useful structural information. In this work, we apply NEXAFS to two kinds of imidazolium based ionic liquids ([CnC₁im]⁺[NTf₂]⁻ and [C₄C₁im]⁺[I]⁻). A combination of measurements and quantum chemical calculations of C K and N K NEXAFS resonances is presented. The simulations, based on the transition potential density functional theory method (TP-DFT), reproduce all characteristic features observed by the experiment. Furthermore, a detailed assignment of resonance features to excitation centers (carbon or nitrogen atoms) leads to a consistent interpretation of the spectra.
A comprehensive characterization of plasma modified polymer surfaces or plasma-polymerized thin films needs access to parameters as
- concentration of saturated/unsaturated carbon species (e.g. aromaticity) or other double bonds as C=N or C=O,
- branching, and
- losses of crystallinty or other degrees of structural order.
Furthermore the complex ageing phenomena of plasma modified polymers/plasma-polymers and the measurement of an in-depth distribution of chemical species are challenges for the analyst. The talk will display selected examples where such challenges have been met by using advanced methods of surface chemical analyses as Photoelectron Spectroscopy with variable excitation energy (“SyncXPS”), X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (NEXAFS) at C, N and O K-edges and Time-of-Flight Secondary Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) combined with Principal Component analysis (PCA).
In the present work, the influence of deuterium on the microstructure of a duplex stainless steel type EN 1.4462 has been characterized by Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB), electron back scattered diffraction(EBSD) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) investigations. Characterization has been carried out before and after electrochemical charging with deuterium which has been used as a tracer, due to its similar behavior to hydrogen in the steel microstructure. In a first approach, the distribution of the deuterium occurring at temperatures above 58 °C has been visualized. Further it turned out that sub-surface micro blisters are formed in the ferrite-austenite interface, followed by the formation of needle shaped plates and subsequent cracking at the ferrite surface. In the austenite phase, parallel cracking alongside twins and hexagonal close packed (martensitic) regions has been observed. In both phases and even in the apparent interface, cracking has been associated with high deuterium concentrations, as compared to the surrounding undamaged microstructure. Sub-surface blistering in the ferrite has to be attributed to the accumulation and recombination of deuterium at the ferrite-austenite interface underneath the respective ferrite grains and after fast diffusing through this phase. Generally, the present application of chemometric imaging and structural analyses allows characterization of hydrogen assisted degradation at a sub-micron lateral resolution.
The growing interest in artificial bioorganic Interfaces as a platform for applications in emerging Areas as personalized medicine, clinical diagnostics, biosensing, biofilms, prevention of biofouling, and other fields of bioengineering is the origin of a need for in Detail multitechnique characterizations of such layers and interfaces. The in-depth analysis of biointerfaces is of special interest as the properties of functional bioorganic coatings can be dramatically affected by in-depth variations of composition.
In worst cases, the functionality of a device produced using such coatings can be substantially reduced or even fully lost.
Analytical routines for a comprehensive in-depth morphological, structural, and chemical characterization of functionalized TiO2 films by using different state-of-the-art analytical techniques are presented and discussed with the main objective to identify potential reference TiO2 coating parameters able to be certified at a later stage. TiO2 films fabricated by two different synthetic procedures as representative for two main large-scale applications were selected: (i) pulsed d.c. magnetron sputtering for photocatalytic applications and (ii) screen printing from preformed anatase nanoparticles. The screen-printed films were further loaded with a sensitizing dye for application as a dye-sensitized solar cell. Film properties such as microstructure and crystallographic texture of pulsed d.c. magnetron sputtering synthesized films were systematically studied by means of scanning nanobeam electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope and the surface and inner morphology by scanning electron microscopy. The dye distribution over the depth of screen-printed TiO2 layers was analyzed before and after dye-loading by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy at scanning electronmicroscope, Auger electron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The long-term goal of the present study is the improvement of quality of the TiO2 film parameters as measured by using different types of reference TiO2 coatings having specific parameters certified.
In this study, a new direct functionalization method of silicon nitride (Si3N4) using azidation and click chemistry is presented. First, amino groups (NHx) were created on a Si3N4 substrate by fluoride etching. These NHx-terminated Si3N4 surfaces were analyzed by chemical derivatization X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (CD-XPS) with 4-trifluoromethylbenzaldehyde (TFBA) and a derivatization yield of 20% was concluded. In the second step freshly prepared NHx surfaces were transformed into azides which were used immediately in a click reaction with halogenated alkynes. The presented combination of amination, azidation and click reaction is a promising alternative for common silane-based Si3N4 functionalization methods.
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy are well-acknowledged tools in materials characterization. The ability to map chemical species on the surface of an investigated sample with often low mass detection limits makes ToF-SIMS an essential tool in fields where many question marks concerning Degradation processes and damage mechanisms exist. The aim of this paper is to describe the power of data fusion of ToF-SIMS and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy results employing computational methods for multivariate data Analysis such as principal component analysis. As a case study the investigation of hydrogen distribution in an artificially charged Duplex stainless steel microstructure is presented aiming on a better understanding of hydrogen embrittlement.
Ionic liquids (ILs) are proposed as simple and efficient test materials to evaluate the performance of energy dispersive X-ray spectrometers (EDS) in the low energy range below 1 keV. By only one measurement, C Kα, N Kα, O Kα, and F Kα X-ray lines can be excited. Additionally, the S Kα line at 2.3 keV and, particularly, the S L series at 149 eV complete the picture with X-ray lines offered by the selected ILs. The well-known (certifiable) elemental composition of the ILs selected in the present study can be used to check the accuracy of results produced with the available EDS quantification routines in the low energy range, simultaneously, for several low atomic number elements. A comparison with other reference materials in use for testing the performance of EDS in the low energy range is included.
Safe innovation & sustainable production with MNMs need that we:
Understand risks and benefits (diagnostic, assessment)
Identify and implement risk reduction strategies (manage)
Communicate on residual risks (acceptance)
Huge knowledge on characterization, hazards, diagnostic (science)
Little effective use of it for operational risk management (expertise)
Objectives of the centre:
Bridge the gap between research and application (public, private),
Bridge the gap between knowledge on risks and risk management,
Balance between Science and Appliance,
in a sustainable way:
Efficient & Sustainable structure
Collective, harmonized, shared expertise
EU scale, internationally connected.
Reference-free XRF is a SI traceable technique for the
determination of the mass deposition (mass per unit area) of elements in films on the nano- and micro scale. The method is radiometrically calibrated instrumentation (PTB@BESSY II, Germany) and based on reliable knowledge of all relevant atomic fundamental, experimental and instrumental parameters. No calibration sample or reference materials are necessary. The approach had been validated in the CCQM-P140 pilot study and the K129 key comparison by determination of mole fractions in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films.
The certified reference material BAM-L200, a nanoscale stripe pattern for length calibration and specification of lateral resolution, is described. BAM-L200 is prepared from a cross-sectioned epitaxially grown layer stack of AlxGa1-xAs and InxGa1 xAs on a GaAs substrate. The surface of BAM-L200 provides a flat pattern with stripe widths ranging down to 1 nm. Calibration distances, grating periods and stripe widths have been certified by TEM with traceability to the length unit. The combination of gratings, isolated narrow stripes and sharp edges of wide stripes offers a plenty of options for the determination of lateral resolution, sharpness and calibration of length scale at selected settings of imaging surface analytical instruments. The feasibility of the reference material for an analysis of the lateral resolution is demonstrated in detail by evaluation of ToF-SIMS, AES and EDX images. Other applications developed in the community are summarized, too.
BAM-L200 fully supports the implementation of the revised International Standard ISO 18516 (in preparation) which is based on knowledge outlined in the Technical Report ISO/TR 19319:2013.
The photoinduced pseudorotaxane formation between a photoresponsive axle and a tetralactam macrocycle was investigated in solution and on glass surfaces with immobilized multilayers of macrocycles. In the course of this reaction, a novel photoswitchable binding station with azobenzene as the photoswitchable unit and diketopiperazine as the binding station was synthesized and studied by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Glass surfaces have been functionalized with pyridine-terminated SAMs and subsequently withmultilayers of macrocycles through layer-by-layer self assembly.
A preferred orientation of the macrocycles could be confirmed by NEXAFS spectroscopy. The photocontrolled Deposition of the axle into the surface-bound macrocycle-multilayers was monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy and led to an increase of the molecular order, as indicated by more substantial linear dichroism effects in angle-resolved NEXAFS spectra.
Implantable drug delivery systems that provide controlled and sustained release of a therapeutic agent are used in a wide variety of applications. Drug eluting stents, which are used to treat coronary artery disease, are among the most widespread of these devices, with an estimated 3x10⁶ implants annually worldwide. Controlling the rate of drug release from these devices relies on precise control of the three dimensional (3D)-distribution of the drug, so methods for measuring this distribution are of great importance. The aims of this work were to determine how 3D-imaging of polymer-free sirolimus/probucol drug eluting stent coatings could be improved through the use of laser postionization secondary neutral mass spectrometry (Laser-
SNMS) and Ar cluster sputtering with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and to optimize conditions for this analysis. In this study, 3D-imaging of a sirolimus/probucol dual drug eluting stent has been investigated using Laser-SNMS and ToF-SIMS. Laser-SNMS studies of pure sirolimus and probucol were undertaken using 30 keV Bi₃⁺ primary Ions and a 157 nm excimer postionization laser. Under optimal conditions, a greater than 100-fold increase in detected ion yield was observed for Laser-SNMS when compared to ToF-SIMS, although ToF-SIMS provided equal or greater yields for higher mass characteristic ions. Although the optimal laser power density for detecting probucol (5x10⁶W/cm²) was significantly lower than the optimum for sirolimus(7x10⁷W/cm²), an intermediate laser power density of 1x10⁷W/cm² was sufficient to allow imaging of both drugs. Using individual selected ion signals, ToF-SIMS and Laser-SNMS produced similar images of the two drug species. When using, however, a multivariate approach (Maximum autocorrelation factors), Laser-SNMS provided significant improvements in image contrast and small area detection when compared to ToF-SIMS.
Following optimization of the technique, 3D-images of the dual drug eluting stent coating were obtained using 10 keV Ar₂₀₀₀⁺ cluster ions for sputtering and 30 keV Bi₃⁺ cluster ions for Analysis for both ToF-SIMS and Laser-SNMS. This work demonstrates the advantages of Laser-SNMS for 3D-imaging of pharmaceutical devices, which has not been previously published. Both ToF-SIMS and Laser-SNMS revealed that the outermost surface of the drug eluting coating contained pure sirolimus to a depth of a few tens of nanometers, with a few channels of sirolimus extending to a depth of around 1 lm. Below about 1 lm, the two drugs were uniformly mixed. Using the 10 keV Ar₂₀₀₀⁺ sputter beam, the authors were able to sputter through the complete drug coating (~6 μm) without observing any accumulated damage in the organic layer. The two techniques showed complementary strengths: ToF-SIMS offers faster data collection and better detected ion yield for larger characteristic ions than Laser-SNMS, and Laser-SNMS offers significantly enhanced detected ion yield for smaller fragment ions, allowing for improved Image contrast and Resolution of smaller features.
A novel Infinitesimal Columns (IC) simulation model is introduced in this study for the quantitativeanalysis of core-shell nanoparticles (CSNP) by means of XPS, which combines the advantages of exist-ing approaches. The IC model is applied to stabilised Lumidot™CdSe/ZnS 610 CSNP for an extensiveinvestigation of their internal structure, i.e. calculation of the two shell thicknesses (ZnS and stabiliser)and exploration of deviations from the idealised CSNP composition. The observed discrepancies betweendifferent model calculations can be attributed to the presence of excess stabiliser as well as synthesisresidues, demonstrating the necessity of sophisticated purification methods. An excellent agreement isfound in the comparison of the IC model with established models from the existing literature, the Shardmodel and the software SESSA.
Soft x-ray spectromicroscopy techniques have seen great amount of development in the recent years, and with the development of new diffraction limited synchrotron source, many new nanoscale and mesoscale characterization opportunities of applied materials are foreseen. In this perspective, the authors present some examples that illustrate the capabilities of spectromicroscopy techniques, namely, 2D and 3D spatially resolved chemical quantification, surface and bulk sensitive measurements, and polarization dependent measurements as applied to iron oxide nanoparticulate materials of biological, geological, and other origins.
The CCQM-K136 key comparison for determination of the porosity properties of aluminum oxide has been organized jointly by the surface and micro/nano analysis working groups of CCQM to test the abilities of the metrology institutes to measure the porosity properties (specific adsorption, BET specific surface area, specific pore volume and pore diameter) of nanoporous Al2O3.
Ural Scientific Research Institute for Metrology (UNIIM) acted as the coordinating laboratory for this comparison with BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) as co-coordinating laboratory. Five NMIs and one DI participated in this key comparison. All participants used a gas adsorption method, here nitrogen adsorption at 77.3 K, for analysis according to the international standards ISO 15901-2 and 9277.
CCQM key comparison K-129 for the quantitative analysis of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) films has been performed by the Surface Analysis Working Group (SAWG) of the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance (CCQM). The objective of this key comparison is to compare the equivalency of the National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs) for the measurement of mole fractions of Cu, In, Ga and Se in a thin CIGS film. The measurand of this key comparison is the average mole fractions of Cu, In, Ga and Se of a test CIGS alloy film in the unit of mole fraction (mol/mol). Mole fraction with the metrological unit of mol/mol can be practically converted to atomic fraction with the unit of at%.
In this key comparison, a CIGS film with certified mole fractions was supplied as a reference specimen to determine the relative sensitivity factors (RSFs) of Cu, In, Ga and Se. The mole fractions of the reference specimen were certified by isotope dilution - inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ID-ICP/MS) and are traceable to the SI. A total number counting (TNC) method was recommended as a method to determine the signal intensities of the constituent elements acquired in the depth profiles by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). Seven NMIs and one DI participated in this key comparison. The mole fractions of the CIGS films were measured by depth profiling based-SIMS, AES and XPS. The mole fractions were also measured by non-destructive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analysis and Electron Probe Micro Analysis (EPMA) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDX).
In this key comparison, the average degrees of equivalence uncertainties for Cu, In, Ga and Se are 0.0093 mol/mol, 0.0123 mol/mol, 0.0047 mol/mol and 0.0228 mol/mol, respectively. These values are much smaller than that of Fe in a Fe-Ni alloy film in CCQM K-67 (0.0330 mol/mol). This means that the quantification of multi-element alloy films is possible by depth profiling analysis using the TNC method.
As a chemical metrology tool time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) has become a very popular technique to monitor the elemental, isotopic and molecular distribution in two or three dimensions. Its reduced sampling depth, high sensitivity, great structural specificity and the direct detection of hydrogen thereby increase the emergence of ToF-SIMS for material and analytical surface science, particularly due to recent instrumental developments improving mass, depth and lateral resolution. For basic surface science, adsorption processes and surface reactivity thus can be investigated in high detail on organic as well as inorganic samples. The use of multivariate data analysis in addition can effectively assist to identify trends in the complex SIMS raw data set and define key co-variances between certain samples or mass spectra. In this contribution the essence of ToF-SIMS is illustrated by discussing two highly relevant energy applications. First, for piezoelectric electroceramics oxygen exchange active zones have been visualized to determine the impact of external field-load to the oxygen vacancy distribution between anode and cathode. As a second case study the interaction of hydrogen species with the microstructure of a duplex stainless steel was investigated. It was concluded that ToF-SIMS has a valuable essence for detailing hydrogen related degradation mechanisms.
Graphene prepared from Graphene oxide (GO) is used as a platform for functional 2D nanomaterials with diverse applications ranging from bios ensors to antimicrobial surfaces. C and N K-edge NEXAFS and XPS spectroscopies at BESSY’s HE-SGM beamline have been used to prove and control covalent functionalization of graphenic materials at ambient conditions for the synthesis of functional 2D-surfaces.
A novel photoswitchable rotaxane was synthesised and its switching behaviour in solution was analysed with NMR and UV-Vis. A monolayer of rotaxanes was deposited on glass surfaces and the on-surface photoswitching was investigated. Angle-resolved NEXAFS spectra revealed a preferential orientation that reversibly changes upon switching.
In this work, fullerene has been functionalized with cyanuric Chloride at room temperature by a nitrene mediated [2 + 1] cycloaddition reaction. The adduct after functionalization is inherently in the form of azafulleroid and shows broad UV absorption in the wavelength range of 200–800 nm, as well as photothermal conversion and fluorescence with a high quantum yield.
The project addresses chemical and topographical metrology at surfaces. The new methodologies of measurements at surfaces will be developed as good practice guides and new work item proposals for industrial ISO standards. The objectives of the Joint research project (JRP) are to provide measurement standards and methods with traceability wherever it is practicable to do so for quantitative surface chemical analysis for industrial applications.
Deuterium permeation and cracking in duplex steels as viewed by ToF-SIMS and HR-SEM with data fusion
(2016)
Better understanding of hydrogen assisted degradation and trapping mecha-nisms requires sufficient imaging techniques for respective hydrogen-microstructure interaction studies, in particular with multi-phase metallic micro-structures [1]. The present work is focusing on the elucidation of deuterium be-havior in two austenitic-ferritic duplex stainless steels (DSS) under the assumption that deuterium behaves in many ways similarly to hydrogen [2]. For case studies standard 2205 and lean 2101 DSSs were chosen due to the extensive use of these steels in industry [3]. The analyses were conducted by using a novel in-situ permeation and Time-of-Flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) imaging technique or by ex-situ ToF-SIMS imaging following electrochemical charging experiments. Another pioneering procedure was data fusion (including chemometry) of results of powerful laterally resolved chemical analysis and high resolution structural characterization techniques .
Results for the ex-situ observations showed a different influence of deuterium loading on the two steel grades as well as different damage mechanisms in each phase. Formation of sub-surface blisters between the ferrite and austenite were obtained in both the standard and the lean DSS. In both steels, an increased deuterium concentration was observed around deformed regions such as cracks, confirming that they originate from the presence of deuterium [4]. The formation of parallel cracks was obtained only in the austenite within the standard duplex whereas in the lean duplex the highest intensity of deuterium was obtained in the austenite along the ferrite-austenite interphase.
In comparison, application of the novel in-situ permeation technique enabled to register and record the deuterium permeation through the material and the respective saturation sequence of the two phases as well as the interfaces. Faster diffusion of the deuterium was observed in the ferrite and a direct proof for deuterium enrichment at the austenite-ferrite interface has been given [1]. The integration of the specified techniques gives a better insight into the processes leading to hydrogen induced failure. These two experimental techniques provide very valuable tools for elucidation of respective metallurgical failure mechanisms that can be used for the validation of respective numerical models for hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC).
The certified reference material BAM-L200, a nanoscale stripe pattern for length calibration and specification of lateral resolution, is described. BAM-L200 is prepared from a cross-sectioned epitaxially grown layer stack of AlxGa1-xAs and InxGa1-xAs on a GaAs substrate. The surface of BAM-L200 provides a flat pattern with stripe widths ranging down to 1 nm. Calibration distances, grating periods and stripe widths have been certified by TEM with traceability to the length unit. The combination of gratings, isolated narrow stripes and sharp edges of wide stripes offers a plenty of options for the determination of lateral resolution, sharpness and calibration of length scale at selected settings of imaging surface analytical instruments. The feasibility of the reference material for an analysis of the lateral resolution is demonstrated in detail by evaluation of ToF-SIMS, AES and EDX images. Other applications developed in the community are summarized, too.
BAM-L200 fully supports the implementation of the revised International Standard ISO 18516 (in preparation) which is based on knowledge outlined in the Technical Report ISO/TR 19319:2013. Fundamental approaches to determination of lateral resolution and sharpness in beam-based methods
Materials and chemical producers require detailed knowledge of surface chemistry for research into new products. One way to understand a surface without damaging it is to bombard it with an electron beam, causing its atoms to emit characteristic X-rays enabling identification. The measurement of these must be precise as many elements emissions are close in energy – traceable reference materials will ensure instruments using this technique are stable and accurate.
Measuring organic layers
(2016)
Many innovative products - from touchscreens to solar panels to pharmaceuticals – utilise multiple organic layers to create complex functionality. New techniques have been developed to remove and measure layers individually enabling improved product development and assisting with quality assurance. However, manufacturers cannot be certain of the depth of layer being removed and new reference materials for these techniques are needed to increase uptake, and remove a major barrier to innovation.
Modifying or controlling surface chemistry is important in new product development, quality control and research. This is particularly true where functionality of surfaces, thin films and interfaces are key to the application, such as organic solar cells and devices for medical diagnostics. Surface chemical analysis aims to provide quantitative elemental, chemical state and functional group information from the surface of materials, but requires comparable test data and improved measurement traceability.
IND15 JRP SurfChem: Traceable quantitative surface chemical analysis for industrial applications
(2016)
The SurfChem project has made a significant contribution to traceable quantitative surface chemical analysis for industrial applications by delivering new certified reference materials and test samples for specific technical applications. Regular performance tests of instruments, metrological methodology for the detection of (bio)organic surface species, ambient and non-destructive surface chemical analysis for in-line process control and new in situ characterisation techniques of catalytically active surfaces have been achieved.
Preparation of graphene oxide by cyanuric chloride as an effective and non-corrosive oxidizing agent
(2016)
In this work, we report a new method for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) using cyanuric chloride as a non-corrosive oxidizing agent.
The mild conditions, simple purification, and scalability of this method are significant advantages over common approaches in which harsh oxidizing agents are used. Moreover, a major drawback with the Hummers' method, the production of toxic gases, is not an issue with this process. This method is a safe and large-scale alternative for the production of GO under mild conditions.
Nitrogen- and oxygen-based plasma polymer films are materials with a complex and partially elusive surface chemistry. We present an overview of innovative and established X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)-based analysis strategies developed to elucidate the surface chemistry of such films. We focus on both experimental methods and data analysis strategies and include the following topics: high-resolution spectra curve fitting, aging, chemical derivatization, and depth profiling by angle- and energy-resolved XPS.
A pilot study for the quantitative surface analysis of multi-element alloy films has been performed by the Surface Analysis Working Group (SAWG) of the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance (CCQM). The aim of this pilot study is to ensure the equivalency in the measurement capability of national metrology institutes for the quantification of multi-element alloy films. A Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) film with non-uniform depth distribution was chosen as a representative multi-element alloy film. The atomic fractions of the reference and the test CIGS films were certified by isotope dilution - inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry. A total number counting (TNC) method was used as a method to determine the signal intensities of the constituent elements, which are compared with their certified atomic fractions. The atomic fractions of the CIGS films were measured by various methods, such as Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis and Electron Probe Micro Analysis (EPMA) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDX). Fifteen laboratories from eight National Metrology Institutes (NMIs), one Designated Institute (DI) and six non-NMIs participated in this pilot study. Although the average atomic fractions of 18 data sets showed rather poor relative standard deviations of about 5.5 % to 6.8 %, they were greatly improved to about 1.5 % to 2.2 % by excluding 5 strongly deviating data sets from the average atomic fractions. In this pilot study, the average expanded uncertainties of SIMS, XPS, AES, XRF and EPMA were 3.84%, 3.68%, 3.81%, 2.88% and 2.90%, respectively. These values are much better than those in the key comparison K-67 for composition of a Fe-Ni alloy film. As a result, the quantification of CIGS films using the TNC method was found to be a good candidate as a subject for a CCQM key comparison.
The preparation of aminated monolayers with a controlled density of functional groups on silica surfaces through a simple vapor deposition process employing different ratios of two suitable monoalkoxysilanes, (3-aminopropyl)diisopropylethoxysilane (APDIPES) and (3-cyanopropyl)dimethylmethoxysilane (CPDMMS), and advances in the reliable quantification of such tailored surfaces are presented here. The one-step codeposition process was carried out with binary silane mixtures, rendering possible the control over a wide range of densities in a single step. In particular, APDIPES constitutes the functional silane and CPDMMS the inert component. The procedure requires only small amounts of silanes, several ratios can be produced in a single batch, the deposition can be carried out within a few hours and a dry atmosphere can easily be employed, limiting self-condensation of the silanes. Characterization of the ratio of silanes actually bound to the surface can then be performed in a facile manner through contact angle measurements using the Cassie equation. The reliable estimation of the number of surface functional groups was approached with a dual-mode BODIPY-type fluorescence label, which allows quantification by fluorescence and XPS on one and the same sample. We found that fluorescence and XPS signals correlate over at least 1 order of magnitude, allowing for a direct linking of quantitative fluorescence analysis to XPS quantification. Employment of synchrotron-based methods (XPS; reference-free total reflection X-ray fluorescence, TXRF) made the traceable quantification of surface functional groups possible, providing an absolute reference for quantitative fluorescence measurements through a traceable measurement chain.
Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) is one of the most applied methods used for the analysis of the chemical composition of solids and thin films. Recent progress in EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer) technology has increased the general performance also in the energy range < 1 keV addressing low Z elements. Suitable test materials to be employed especially to check the low-energy EDS performance – also in line with ISO 15632 - are rather limited and mainly based on C K and F K lines. In order to obtain valid results in laboratories accredited in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 it is necessary to periodically check the instrument performance.
Interfaces provide the structural basis for function as, for example, encountered in nature in the membrane-embedded photosystem or in technology in solar cells. Synthetic functional multilayers of molecules cooperating in a coupled manner can be fabricated on surfaces through layer-by-layer self-assembly. Ordered arrays of stimulus-responsive rotaxanes undergoing well-controlled axle shuttling are excellent candidates for coupled mechanical motion. Such stimulus-responsive surfaces may help integrate synthetic molecular machines in larger systems exhibiting even macroscopic effects or generating mechanical work from chemical energy through cooperative action. The present work demonstrates the successful deposition of ordered mono- and multilayers of chemically switchable rotaxanes on gold surfaces. Rotaxane mono- and multilayers are shown to reversibly switch in a coupled manner between two ordered states as revealed by linear dichroism effects in angle-resolved NEXAFS spectra. Such a concerted switching process is observed only when the surfaces are well packed, while less densely packed surfaces lacking lateral order do not exhibit such effects.
The certified reference material BAM-L200, a nanoscale stripe pattern for length calibration and specification of lateral resolution, is described. BAM-L200 is prepared from a cross-sectioned epitaxially grown layer stack of AlxGa1–xAs and InxGa1–xAs on a GaAs substrate. The surface of BAM-L200 provides a flat pattern with stripe widths ranging down to 1 nm. Calibration distances, grating periods and stripe widths have been certified by TEM with traceability to the length unit. The combination of gratings, isolated narrow stripes and sharp edges of wide stripes offers plenty of options for the determination of lateral resolution, sharpness and calibration of length scale at selected settings of imaging surface-analytical instruments. The feasibility of the reference material for an analysis of the lateral resolution is demonstrated in detail by evaluation of ToF-SIMS, AES and EDX images. Other applications developed in the community are summarized, too. BAM-L200 fully supports the implementation of the revised International Standard ISO 18516 (in preparation) which is based on knowledge outlined in the Technical Report ISO/TR 19319:2013.
Organosilanes are used routinely to functionalize various support materials for further modifications. Nevertheless, reliable quantitative information about surface functional group densities after layer formation is rarely available. Here, we present the analysis of thin organic nanolayers made from nitrogen containing silane molecules on naturally oxidized silicon wafers with reference-free total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). An areic density of 2−4 silane molecules per nm2 was calculated from the layer’s nitrogen mass deposition per area unit obtained by reference-free TXRF. Complementary energy and angle-resolved XPS (ER/ARXPS) in the Si 2p core-level region was used to analyze the outermost surface region of the organic (silane layer)−inorganic (silicon wafer) interface. Different coexisting silicon species as silicon, native silicon oxide, and silane were identified and quantified. As a result of the presented proof-of-concept, absolute and traceable values for the areic density of silanes containing nitrogen as intrinsic marker are obtained by calibration of the XPS methods with reference-free TXRF. Furthermore, ER/AR-XPS is shown to facilitate the determination of areic densities in (mono)layers made from silanes having no heteroatomic marker other than silicon. After calibration with reference-free TXRF, these areic densities of silane molecules can be determined when using the XPS component intensity of the silane’s silicon atom.
The fluorine content of polymer particles labelled with 2,2,2-trifluoroethylamine was reliably quantified with overlapping sensitivity ranges by XPS and solid-state NMR. This provides a first step towards reference materials for the metrological traceability of surface group quantifications. The extension of this concept to fluorescence spectroscopy is illustrated.
The surfaces of polymeric dialyzer membranes consisting of polysulfone and polyvinylpyrrolidone were investigated regarding the lateral distribution and quantitative surface composition using time-of-flight secondary-ion-mass-spectrometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Knowledge of the distribution and composition on the outer surface region is of utmost importance for understanding the biocompatibility of such dialyzer membranes. Both flat membranes and hollow fiber membranes were studied.
Solgel prepared ternary FeF3–MgF2 materials have become promising heterogeneous catalysts due to their porosity and surface Lewis/Brønsted acidity (bi-acidity). Despite the good catalytic performance, nanoscopic characterisations of this type of material are still missing and the key factors controlling the surface properties have not yet been identified, impeding both a better understanding and further development of ternary fluoride catalysts. In this study, we characterised the interaction between the bi-acidic component (FeF3) and the matrix (MgF2) on the nano-scale. For the first time, the formation pathway of FeF3–MgF2 was profiled and the template effect of MgF2 during the synthesis process was discovered. Based on these new insights two novel materials, FeF3–CaF2 and FeF3–SrF2, were established, revealing that with decreasing the atomic numbers (from Sr to Mg), the ternary fluorides exhibited increasing surface acidity and surface area but decreasing pore size. These systematic changes gave rise to a panel of catalysts with tuneable surface and bulk properties either by changing the matrix alkaline earth metal fluoride or by adjusting their ratios to Fe or both. The template effect of the alkaline earth metal fluoride matrix was identified as the most probable key factor determining the surface properties and further influencing the catalytic performance in ternary fluoride based catalysts, and paves the way to targeted design of next-generation catalysts with tunable properties.
Reference materials without variations in topography are essential for the characterization of imaging XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) Instruments. Therefore a new fabrication process for this kind of zero-topography reference material was developed at PTB and resulted in first prototypes. The fabrication process and first measurement results will be presented in this paper.
Argon cluster sputtering of an organic multilayer reference material consisting of two organic components, 4,4'-bis[N-(1-naphthyl-1-)-N-phenyl- amino]-biphenyl (NPB) and aluminium tris-(8-hydroxyquinolate) (Alq3), materials commonly used in organic light-emitting diodes industry, was carried out using time-of-flight SIMS in dual beam mode. The sample used in this study consists of a ~400-nm-thick NPB matrix with 3-nm marker layers of Alq3 at depth of ~50, 100, 200 and 300 nm. Argon cluster sputtering provides a constant sputter yield throughout the depth profiles, and the sputter yield volumes and depth resolution are presented for Ar-cluster sizes of 630, 820, 1000, 1250 and 1660 atoms at a kinetic energy of 2.5 keV. The effect of cluster size in this material and over this range is shown to be negligible.