Chemistry
Application of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy in Surface Characterization of Catalysts
Quick fact
XPS can detect elements present at just a few atomic percent on the surface, and it can distinguish between different oxidation states of the same metal (e.g., Fe²⁺ vs Fe³⁺) by measuring tiny shifts in binding energy—a capability crucial for understanding catalyst function.
Why this is interesting
Ever wondered how scientists see the invisible 'skin' of a catalyst that makes a chemical reaction speed up? X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is the ultimate surface detective, revealing the exact elements and chemical states on the outermost layers of a material.