Surface Science Spectra
banner
sss-avs.bsky.social
Surface Science Spectra
@sss-avs.bsky.social
An International Journal & Database Devoted to Archiving Spectra from Surfaces & Interfaces
Plutonium is an extremely difficult element to handle, but through XPS data, Dr. Lionel Jolly of CEA France provides a beautiful illustration of the oxidation process at the surface of plutonium, showing three different oxidation states.

doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
XPS of PuO2 and Pu2O3 formed by O2 oxidation of plutonium metal
Plutonium metal oxidizes by forming an oxide layer on the surface. This oxide layer consists on Pu2O3 and PuO2. Photoelectron spectroscopy allows us to evaluate
doi.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Our second instrument paper is here! 🎉

This report provides characteristics and operation modes of the IONTOF Qtac high resolution low energy ion scattering spectrometer, simplifying paper preparation for research utilizing this instrument.

doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
Description and operation characteristics of IONTOF Qtac high sensitivity low energy ion scattering spectrometer
The characteristics and operation modes of the IONTOF Qtac high resolution low energy ion scattering spectrometer are described in sufficient detail that they c
doi.org
November 12, 2025 at 7:09 PM
This study reports inverse photoemission spectra of an electrorefined sample of α-Pu, providing important information to improve the understanding of plutonium's characteristics.

doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
Inverse photoemission of α-Pu
The unoccupied states of sputter cleaned electrorefined plutonium have been measured using inverse photoemission capability consisting of a scanned low energy e
doi.org
November 10, 2025 at 8:58 PM
This data record supplements XPS data for Beryllium & provides the positions of the peaks formed by the compounds to contribute a better understanding of the impact of the ion beam on the sample composition.
doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
XPS and UPS investigation of beryllium in native form
There is a problem of sample composition change under the influence of ion beam. Therefore, in this article, we aim to not only supplement or refine the data (f
doi.org
October 24, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Chitosan is a potential sorbent for metal ions - studies show it can remove toxic elements from polluted water & recover metals of high value, such as rare earth elements (REEs). #XPS spectra of commercial chitosan are presented here. doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
XPS spectra of chitosan powder and film acquired by monochromatic Al Kα x-ray source
Chitosan, a polysaccharide containing −OH and −NH2 functional groups, is gaining attention from researchers due to its potential as a sorbent for metal ions. Pr
doi.org
September 17, 2025 at 6:30 PM
In order to distinguish substrate-derived signals from sample analytes, authors from Maastricht Univ. present a database of ToF-SIMS spectra of Si wafer, Au-coated glass, & ITO-coated glass, three common substrates, with peak lists of the most prominent ion signals.

doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
ToF-SIMS spectra of typical substrates in both polarities: Si wafer, Au-coated glass, and ITO-coated glass
ToF-SIMS is a surface analysis technique, and as a result, many samples need to be spotted or mounted onto a suitable substrate. Different substrates can be use
doi.org
September 15, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Caffeic acid, vanillin, eugenol & cellulose contribute important flavors, smells, & other qualities to spirits. Researchers from @cnrs.fr present ToF-SIMS spectra of reference samples of these species, required to confidently analyze wood samples.
doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
ToF-SIMS spectra of caffeic acid, vanillin, eugenol, and cellulose in positive polarity
Initially used for fermentation or storage, oak wood barrels were found to enhance the organoleptic properties of spirits. Over time, wood compounds have been l
doi.org
August 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Researchers from The University of Manchester present hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reference spectra of Cu(I) and Cu(II) oxide generated with Ga Kα excitation.
doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reference spectra of Cu(I) and Cu(II) oxide generated with Ga Kα excitation
Monochromatic Ga Kα (9251.74 eV) x-ray radiation was used to acquire hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) data on copper oxides Cu(I), Cu2O, and Cu(II
doi.org
August 12, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Oak wood barrels are used in fermentation to enhance the taste & smell of spirits. Certain wood extractives are linked to the quality of these spirits. Here, researchers from @cnrs.fr present negative polarity ToF-SIMS reference spectra of 4 such compounds.
doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
TOF-SIMS spectra of gallic acid, ellagic acid, castalin, and quercetin in negative polarity
Initially used for fermentation or storage, oak wood barrels were found to enhance the organoleptic properties of spirits. Over time, wood extractives like ella
doi.org
August 4, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Fused silica is an amorphous form of pure silica used for a variety of important applications such as substrates for thin films & optical devices. Authors from the University of Toledo present optical properties of fused silica glass using spectroscopic ellipsometry.
doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
Optical properties of fused silica glass using spectroscopic ellipsometry from 0.4 meV to 8.5 eV
Fused silica is used for a variety of applications due to its high transparency, low thermal expansion, and excellent chemical and thermal stability. Ellipsomet
doi.org
July 31, 2025 at 5:37 PM
The oxygen evolution reaction hinders large-scale exploitation of water splitting to produce green hydrogen. NiO nanomaterials are promising electrocatalysts.

Here, authors from University of Padova characterize these materials grown by PA-CVD on glass substrates.
doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
XPS analysis of F-containing NiO nanoarchitectures fabricated by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition
The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), extensively investigated over the last decade for energy-related end-uses, still remains the bottleneck hindering a large-s
doi.org
July 23, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Authors from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China present photoelectron spectroscopy data for Ta3N5 & TaN in their first contribution to SSS! doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
HAXPES spectra of tantalum nitride films with Cr Kα excitation
Ta3N5 film is prepared by high-temperature nitridation of the Ta2O5 film deposited on the Nb substrate via electron beam evaporation, while the TaN film is prep
doi.org
July 18, 2025 at 5:50 PM
In contrast to Pu2O3, plutonium dioxide is unstable in ultra-high vacuum but prevails in common oxidizing environments. XPS spectra of PuO2 film shows that the dioxide reduces to Pu2O3 during the acquisition of data. doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
July 10, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Pu2O3 is the most stable surface species on plutonium metal in the ultrahigh vacuum environment of the XPS spectrometer.

This study presents survey data & high resolution scans of the prominent plutonium and oxygen core levels.

doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
XPS of the surface film of Pu2O3 with Al Kα
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of a plutonium sesquioxide film grown on a δ-Pu-Ga alloy substrate has been measured using an achromatic Al Kα source (1486.6 e
doi.org
July 9, 2025 at 5:57 PM
In one of the first HAXPES spectra of a uranium compound, these reference spectra expand the knowledge of the uranium/oxygen system by HAXPES & XPS analysis. U3O8 is an important material in the nuclear fuel cycle as the most thermodynamically stable form. doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
U3O8 high energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reference spectra generated with Ga Kα x-ray source
High energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) measurements were carried out using a Scienta Omicron HAXPES instrument to provide reference spectra for d
doi.org
July 7, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Disposing of marble scraps from quarrying is costly. This study shows XPS spectra of Sardinian limestone & Carrera marble vs. commercial CaCO3, showing that scraps may be a valuable & sustainable sorbent for removing toxic elements from polluted waters. doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
Sardinian limestone and Carrara marble by XPS
CaCO3 scraps from marble quarries might represent a valuable sorbent for removing toxic elements from polluted waters that might be reused. The core-level spect
doi.org
June 27, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Our collection on Historical Inorganic Pigments builds a library of reference ToF-SIMS data of pigments used prior to the industrial revolution. This recent editorial explains the perspective on the unique set of data from the authors at @maastrichtu.bsky.social.
doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
Tof-SIMS spectra of historical inorganic pigments
Cultural Heritage materials, like historical paintings, are complex heterogeneous objects comprising multiple microstructures with various organic and inorganic
doi.org
June 17, 2025 at 5:54 PM
(η4-cyclooctatetraene)Ru(CO)3 was synthesized at @ufresearch.bsky.social & sent to @utdallas.bsky.social for low-temp #XPS analysis. This compound has potential as a candidate for Ru deposition using Ru photoassisted chemical vapor deposition.
doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
Low temperature XPS of (η4-cyclooctatetraene)Ru(CO)3
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze an authentic sample of (η4-cyclooctatetraene)Ru(CO)3 held at 173 K to prevent sublimation of the compound d
doi.org
June 12, 2025 at 4:46 PM
In this study from HP, hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation was used to acquire XPS & Auger data on a sputtered germanium sample, contributing toward a virtual HAXPES handbook in SSS. doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reference spectra of germanium (Ge) with Cr Kα excitation
Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation (5414.8 eV) has been used to acquire XPS and Auger data on a sputtered germanium sampl
doi.org
June 11, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Researchers from @HP recently reported HAXPES data of stibnite, a major source of antimony. Antimony is used for a wide variety of applications, often as a flame retardant and as an alloying material for strength.

doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
HAXPES reference spectra of stibnite (Sb2S3) with Cr Kα excitation
Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation (5414.8 eV) has been used to acquire XPS and Auger data on sputtered stibnite samples.
doi.org
May 20, 2025 at 6:33 PM
@hewlittpackard.bsky.socialOrpiment, a naturally occurring yellow arsenic sulfide mineral, is often used as a pigment due to its vibrant yellow color. Here, researchers from HP present HAXPES survey data & high-resolution spectra from the sample.
doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
HAXPES reference spectra of orpiment (As2S3) with Cr Kα excitation
Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using monochromatic Cr-Kα radiation (5414.8 eV) has been used to acquire XPS and Auger data on sputtered orpiment samples.
doi.org
May 19, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Do you have ToF-SIMS data? Check out this editorial, in which Associate Editor Dan Graham provides guidelines to facilitate a successful submission of your data to SSS, with the best chances for acceptance and minimal revision!
doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
May 14, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Cryo-XPS allows samples to be in a near-native state as it preserves compounds & minimizes surface degradation & restructuring. This study from Kratos Analytical analyzes NaCl, the primary salt in seawater & a major contributor to the global aerosol burden. doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
2M NaCl by XPS using monochromatic Al Kα x rays
Cryo-XPS enables the study of many substances that are unsuitable for standard XPS analysis, such as moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous mat
doi.org
May 7, 2025 at 5:29 PM
We are continually exploring new techniques to add to our growing repository of spectra data! Recently, our #XPS instructions were updated to include Low Energy Inverse Photoemission & Bremsstrahlung Isochromat Spectroscopy.
Submit your data today!
pubs.aip.org/avs/sss/page...
SSS - Preparing Your Manuscript | Surface Science Spectra | AIP Publishing
SSS - Preparing Your Manuscript | Surface Science Spectra | AIP Publishing Preparing Your Manuscript Information for Contributors Content criteria SSS is currently accepting submissions...
pubs.aip.org
May 2, 2025 at 3:56 PM
In this study, authors from University of Virginia present #XPS analysis of high-purity MgS synthesized for use in simulations of solar-ion space weathering of sulfide minerals expected to be present on Mercury.

doi.org/10.1116/6.00...
Magnesium sulfide powder analyzed by XPS
High-purity niningerite (MgS) was synthesized by BenchChem under vacuum conditions for use in laboratory simulations of solar-ion space weathering of sulfide mi
doi.org
April 30, 2025 at 6:56 PM