Transition metal oxynitrides are of growing interest for their use as electrocatalyst for nitrogen reduction reaction. The metals in the oxynitride used for catalytic process are stabilized in intermediate state for effective activation of nitrogen. Therefore, studying the interaction of metal oxynitrides films to ambient exposure is necessary. Here, sputter deposited vanadium oxynitride is compared to cobalt oxynitride using insitu Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After deposition in Ar/N2 environment, in situ AES spectra indicate that film is vanadium oxynitride despite oxygen is not the reactive gas. In contrast, in situ AES indicate film is pure cobalt nitride at the same base pressure and deposition condition (as vanadium). For ambient exposure, in situ AES indicate the incorporation of oxygen in the cobalt nitride film to form cobalt oxynitride. Ex situ XPS indicate both films get more oxidized but uniformly distributed as there is only slight difference in grazing and normal emission XPS. XRD and SEM also indicate how homogeneously distributed both films are. These finding confirms how important it is that transition metal centers are kept in intermediate oxidation state for the activation of nitrogen bond.

This study targets methodology development using Photoelectron Spectroscopy (PES) as a tool for investigating material surfaces. When analysing samples with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (HAXPES), it is important to know the probing depth of the samples. The probing depth can show where possible chemical changes may occur in the material. This information together with chemical shifts can be used to help understand why a material acts in a certain way and how to chemically change it to strengthen it, reduce aging, hinder certain interactions and more. By calculating the inelastic mean free path (IMFP) the probing depth is approximated. One hard and two soft materials were analysed during the thesis. The hard material comprises the investigation of the technological relevant oxidation layer on silicon, a layer that is rather well defined and is used here as a model compound to validate the method. The investigation of the soft material has bearing on studies of organic solar cells and consider conductive polymer films poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL) and its pyridine analogue PyBBL. The hard material silica (SiO2) was analysed with photoelectron spectroscopy using Ga Kα (9258 eV) x-rays, while the soft solar cell polymers were analysed with both Al Kα (1486 eV) and Ga Kα (9258 eV). For each of the materials a few different samples with varied film thicknesses were studied to obtain a conclusive mean value. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was done on all the samples after the XPS and HAXPES measurements to study the topography and surface roughness to validate the IMFP results. The results show that SiO2 had an IMFP of 17.97 nm, which is within the calculated values from other sources. The silica samples also had a low surface roughness which further confirms the accuracy of the results. The polymer samples show a high disparity of the IMFP from the Al Kα measurements as well as a high surface roughness from the AFM. The values from the Ga Kα measurements were within the expected range but show signs of contamination. Thus, the results for the polymer samples were not reliable

No description available.

A wood surface, which is exposed to a high temperature condition, can experience inactivation. Surface inactivation results in reduced ability of an adhesive to properly wet, flow, penetrate, and cure. Thus, an inactivated wood surface does not bond well with adhesives. The changes in surface chemistry, wettability, and adhesion of inactivated wood surfaces, including heartwood of yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and southern pine (Pinus taeda), were studied. Wood samples were dried from the green moisture content condition in a convection oven at five different temperature levels ranging from 50 to 200 °C. The comparative characterization of the surface was done by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), sessile drop wettability, and fracture testing of adhesive bonds. The oxygen to carbon ratio (O/C) decreased and the C1/C2 ratio increased with drying temperature. The C1 component is related to carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds, and the C2 component represents single carbon-oxygen bond. A low O/C ratio and a high C1/C2 ratio reflected a high concentration of non-polar wood components (extractives/VOCs) on the wood surface, which modified the wood surface from hydrophilic to more hydrophobic. Wettability was directly related to the O/C ratio and inversely related to the C1/C2 ratio. Contact angle decreased with time and increased with the temperature of exposure. Southern pine had a lower wettability than yellow-poplar, which was due to a greater concentration of non-polar hydrocarbon-type extractives and heat-generated volatiles on the surface. Solvent extraction prior to drying did not improved wettability, whereas, extraction after drying improved wettability. A contribution of extractives migration and VOCs generation played a significant role in the heat-induced inactivation process of southern pine. The maximum strain energy release rate (Gmax) showed that surface inactivation was insignificant for yellow-poplar when exposed to drying temperatures < 187°C. The southern pine was most susceptible to inactivation at drying temperatures > 156°C, particularly when bonded with phenol-formaldehyde (PF) adhesive. Chemical treatments improved the wettability of inactivated wood surfaces, but an improvement in adhesion was not evident for specimens bonded with polyvinyl-acetate (PVA) adhesive. NaOH surface treatment was most effective for improving adhesion of the PF adhesive bond. / Ph. D.

The behavior during dissolution of edge and basal surfaces of the mica phlogopite were examined using in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) in an attempt to characterize the reactive surface area during dissolution. Mica minerals are the ideal material for this study because they offer a high degree of structural anisotropy. Therefore surfaces with different structures are easily identified. Dissolution is shown to proceed preferentially by removal of material from {hk0} edges. Dissolution rates were calculated by measuring the volume of material removed from etch pits, and normalizing to either the "reactive" surface area of {hk0} edges exposed at pit walls, or to a total "BET-equivalent" surface area. Rates normalized to total surface area are in the range of dissolution rates reported in the literature. Edge surface normalized rates are about 100 times faster. Long-term in situ AFM observations of phlogopite dissolution reveal that exposed (001) surfaces also display a distinct reactivity, though it operates on a different time scale. The top layer is shown to expand between 39 and 63 hours in contact with pH 2 HCl solution. Subsequent LEED analysis shows that the (001) surface becomes amorphous upon reacting with pH 2 HCl. Compositional characterization of the phlogopite after reaction shows that for pitted phlogopite surfaces, dissolution is characterized by leaching of octahedral cations and polymerization of the silica-enriched residual layer. No chemical changes or polymerization are observed for freshly cleaved unpitted phlogopite after reaction with pH 2 HCl for 24 hours. This suggests a gallery access mechanism is facilitated by edge attack, and is only significant on exposed (001) surfaces after a certain amount of dissolution by edge attack. / Master of Science

[pt] Neste trabalho estudamos a síntese e caracterização de nanotubos de carbono de paredes simples com incorporação de fósforo. Os nanotubos foram produzidos em duas diferentes temperaturas (800 e 850 Graus Celsius), usando um precursor em pó (fase sólida) sem diluição em nenhum liquido. O sistema utilizado na síntese foi o CVD em alto vácuo. Para a caracterização comparamos as amostras incorporadas com SWNTs crescidos com etanol. Usamos a espectroscopia Raman, espectroscopia de fotoelétrons induzida por raios x (XPS) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM) para caracterizar as amostras. A espectroscopia Raman e a microscopia eletrônica de transmissão foram usadas para confirmar a presença de SWNTs na amostra. Encontramos evidencia de que o fósforo foi incorporado nas amostras ao compararmos os espectros Raman dos SWNTs com amostra de referência. A partir dos resultados de XPS, observamos a presença de fósforo ligado a átomos de carbono que nós faz concluir que houve incorporação de fósforo nos nanotubos. / [en] In this work was studied the synthesis and characterization of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCN) with phosphorus incorporation. The nanotubes were produced in two different temperatures (800 and 850 Degrees Celsius), using a powder precursor (solid phase) without liquid dilution. The system used for the synthesis was High Vacuum Chemical Vapor Deposition (HVCVD). The samples were characterized comparing the samples with phosphorus with SWNT synthetized with ethanol. Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to characterize the samples. The Raman spectroscopy and TEM were employed to confirm the presence of SWNT in the samples. We found evidences that phosphorus were incorporated comparing the Raman spectra with the reference sample. The XPS results showed the presence of phosphorus atoms bonded to carbon atoms which make us conclude that the phosphorus were incorporated to the nanotubes.

L'objectif de ce travail est de contribuer, par le biais d'approches expérimentales (XPS/chimisorption de sondes gazeuses) et théoriques (approches type DFT), à une meilleure compréhension fondamentale de la réactivité de surface de matériaux d'électrode positive et plus spécifiquement d'oxydes lamellaires lithiés LiMO2. La réactivité de surface du matériau LiCoO2 et l’influence d’une substitution de l’atome de cobalt par l’atome d’aluminium a été étudiée pour avancer dans la compréhension de l’effet bénéfique des « coatings » à base d’alumine. L’étude expérimentale a été centrée sur l’adsorption de SO2 et montre que la présence d’atomes d’aluminium induit une diminution de réactivité : elle génère des espèces de type sulfite, différentes des sulfates seuls identifiés pour LiCoO2. La modélisation de cette adsorption permet la mise en évidence de deux modes d’adsorption distincts : passage d’un contrôle rédox pour LiCoO2 à un contrôle acido-basique pour des matériaux contenant des atomes d’aluminium (LiAlO2), thermodynamiquement moins favorable. L’influence de la nature du métal de transition a été analysée sur la base d’études théoriques également menées sur LiMnO2 et LiNiO2. La modélisation de l’adsorption de SO2 sur les surfaces des matériaux LiMO2 révèle la présence des deux processus de chimisorption (formation de sulfites et sulfates), avec mise en évidence du rôle important des cations de sous-surface dans les processus de réduction conduisant aux sulfates. Cette étude théorique a permis d’interpréter les résultats expérimentaux obtenus pour Li(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)O2, l’identification de sulfites résulterait de la présence des ions Ni2+ alors que celle de sulfates serait liée à la présence des ions Mn4+ et Co3+. / This work is devoted to a better fundamental understanding of the surface reactivity of positive electrode materials, and specifically lamellar lithiated oxides LiMO2 through experimental (XPS/chemisorption of gaseous probes) and theoretical (DFT calculations) approaches. The beneficial effect of aluminum-based coatings on electrochemical performances is well known but the exact mechanisms are not totally understood. A detailed study of the surface reactivity of LiCoO2 and of the influence of Al/Co substitution is carried out. The experimental approach is focused on SO2 adsorption and shows that Al/Co substitution induces a decrease of the surface reactivity and a change in the nature of adsorbed species (identification of sulfite species whereas only sulfate species are characterized for LiCoO2). Theoretical calculations highlighs two different adsorption modes controlled by redox properties for LiCoO2 and by acid-base properties for -LiAlO2 (less energetically favorable). The theoretical study is extended to LiMnO2 and LiNiO2 in order to analyse the influence of the nature of the transition metal atom. The modelization of SO2 adsorption reveals two chemisorption processes (sulfite and sulfate formation), and highligths the key role of subsurface cations in the reduction process which leads to sulfates. Thus theoretical approach allows on interpretation of the experimental data obtained for Li(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)O2. The identification of sulfites may be explained by the presence of Ni2+ ions whereas sulfate species may result from the presence Mn4+ and Co3+ ions.

Les principales évolutions requises pour répondre aux besoins de la microélectronique visent à intégrer une micro-source d’énergie susceptible de fonctionner à plus bas potentiel que les systèmes actuels. Ainsi, en vue de répondre à cette demande, ce travail de recherche s’est focalisé sur l’étude, principalement par spectroscopie photoélectronique à rayonnement X (XPS), de deux matériaux d’électrode positive fonctionnant à 3 V vs Li+/Li : le spinelle LiMn2O4 et le Nasicon Fe2(MoO4)3. Le bismuth, matériau potentiel d’électrode négative susceptible de remplacer le lithium métallique et de subir le procédé de soudure classiquement utilisé en microélectronique (le solder reflow), est également étudié dans le cadre de cette thèse. Avant de caractériser ces matériaux en systèmes tout-solide, la première étape consiste à en étudier les comportements électrochimiques en électrolytes liquides. A cet effet, des couches minces d’une épaisseur d’environ 500 nm sont préparées par pulvérisation cathodique après une étape d’optimisation des paramètres de dépôt (puissance, pression partielle et totale dans l’enceinte de dépôt, température de recuit, …), puis caractérisées sur les plans structural (DRX), morphologique (SEM) et chimique (XPS, RBS, ICP). L’analyse des échantillons par XPS en fin de décharge et de charge a permis de mieux comprendre et d’expliquer les réactions électrochimiques se produisant au sein des matériaux et aux interfaces électrode/électrolyte dans les batteries au lithium. Une étude comparative avec un cyclage face au sodium a également été menée dans le cas du molybdate de fer et du bismuth, ce qui a permis d’identifier des comportements spécifiques lors de l’insertion/désinsertion des deux alcalins. L’homogénéité de la lithiation/sodation des couches minces a également été étudiée à partir de différentes analyses XPS menées après un procédé de décapage permettant de s’affranchir de la couche de passivation formée à l’interface électrode/électrolyte.Cette étude contribue à une meilleure connaissance des matériaux d’électrodes en cyclage pour micro-batteries au lithium et présente des perspectives très intéressantes d’intégration dans des dispositifs « tout solide ». / The main evolutions required for microelectronic applications aim to integrate an energy microsource operating at lower potential than current systems. Thus, in order to meet this demand, this research work has been focused on the study, mainly by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), of two positive electrode materials operating at 3 V vs Li+/Li: the spinel-type material LiMn2O4 and the Nasicon-type one Fe2(MoO4)3. The bismuth, a potential negative electrode material likely to replace the metallic lithium and to undergo the soldering process conventionally used in microelectronics (the solder reflow), has also been studied in this work. Before studying these materials in all-solid-state systems, the first step consists in investigating their electrochemical behaviors in liquid electrolytes. For this purpose, 500 nm-thick thin films are prepared by magnetron sputtering after a step of deposition parameters optimization (power, partial and total pressures in the sputtering chamber, annealing temperature, etc.). Physicochemical proprieties of the deposited thin films are then investigated by XRD, SEM, XPS, RBS and ICP analyses. The analyses of the electrodes by XPS at the end of discharge and charge has allowed better understanding of the electrochemical reactions occurring within the electrode materials and at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces in lithium cells. A comparative study with cycling against sodium has also been carried out in the case of iron molybdate and bismuth materials. This has allowed identifying specific behaviors of the thin films during the insertion/extraction of the two alkalis. The homogeneity of the thin films lithiation/sodiation has also been studied from various XPS analyses realized after etching process which allows eliminating the passivation layer formed at the electrode/electrolyte interface.This study contributes to a better knowledge of three potential electrode materials candidates for lithium micro-batteries and presents very interesting perspectives of materials integration in all solid state systems.

Les dernières technologies microélectroniques embarquent des transistors dont les isolants de grille sont des isolants à forte constante diélectrique (high-k en anglais) associés à des grilles métalliques (on utilise l'abréviation HKMG pour high-k – metal gate). Si cet empilement permet de garder une quantité de charges suffisante dans le canal, il est plus difficile de contrôler les tensions de seuil des transistors à cause de la présence de charges et de dipôle dans ces couches ou aux interfaces. Deux études préliminaires ont établi qu'il existe une corrélation entre les énergies de liaisons des éléments mesurées par XPS d'un empilement HKMG et la tension de seuil d'un transistor utilisant ce même empilement. Des charges sont présentes dans les couches isolantes des empilements HKMG, conduisant à un décalage du potentiel électrostatique au sein de ces couches. Ceci induit une modification du travail de sortie effectif de l'électrode métallique du transistor. Et en XPS ces charges induisent une variation de l'énergie cinétique des électrons extraits des couches se trouvant sous ces charges. L'objectif de cette thèse est de simuler de manière quantitative l'impact électrostatique induit par ces charges et dipôles et de comparer cet impact aux décalages des raies XPS ainsi qu'aux mesures électriques des tensions de seuil des transistors. Ceci permettra ensuite d'estimer la variation des tensions seuil des transistors très en amont dans le procédé de fabrication / The last microelectronic technologies includes transistors with materials of high dielectric constant (high-k ) associated to metal gate (we use the abbreviation HKMG for high-k - bad metal). If this pile allows to keep a sufficient quantity of charges in the channel, it is more difficult to check the threshold voltage of transistors because of the presence of charge and of dipole in these layers or in the interfaces. Two preliminary studies established that there is a correlation between the binding energies measured by XPS of a pile HKMG and the threshold voltage of a transistor using the same pile. Charges are present in the insulating layers of piles HKMG, leading to a difference of the electrostatic potential within these layers. A modification of the effective workfunction of the metallic electrode of the transistor in s then observed, and in XPS these charges lead t oa variation of the kinetic energy of electrons extracted from the layer. The purpose of this thesis is simulate in a quantitative way the electrostatic impact of this charges and dipôles and to compare this impact with the observation made by XPS as well as with the electric measures of the threshold voltage of transistors. This will then allow to estimate the variation of the threshold voltage of transistors well further in the manufacturing process.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:07:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MichelleCF.pdf: 1141059 bytes, checksum: ba6218c7d1a1f1eb9b756d2fa95a63de (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-06-14 / This work reports the influence of the poly (ethylene terephthalate) textile surface modification by plasmas of O2 and mixtures (N2 + O2), on their physical and chemical properties. The treatment was carried out in a vacuum chamber. Some parameters remained constant during all treatment, such as: Voltage 470 V; Pressure 1,250 Mbar; Current: 0, 10 A and gas flow: 10 cm3/min. Other parameters, such as working gas composition and treatment time, were modified as the following: to the O2 plasma modified samples only the treatment time was changed (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes). To the plasma with O2 and N2 only the chemical concentrations were changed. Through Capillary tests (vertical) an increase in textile wettability was observed as well as its influence on aging time and its consequence on wettability. The surface functional groups created after plasma treatments were investigated using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The surface topography was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) / Neste trabalho, investigou-se a influ?ncia do tratamento superficial a plasma utilizando como gases de trabalho o oxig?nio e uma mistura de nitrog?nio + oxig?nio, sobre as propriedades f?sicas e qu?micas do tecido 100% Poli?ster. O tratamento foi realizado em uma c?mara contendo os gases de trabalho sob baixa press?o (~ 1 mbar) mantendo-se constante durante todo ensaio alguns par?metros do plasma, tais como, voltagem: 470 V; press?o: 1,250 mbar; corrente: 0,10 A e fluxo de g?s: 10 cm3/min. Para os tratamentos com plasma de oxig?nio puro utilizaram-se diferentes tempos de tratamento: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 e 60 minutos. Para os tratamentos com plasma de N2 O2, fixou-se o tempo de tratamento em 10 minutos e variaram-se as concentra??es de N2 entre 10% - 90%. Atrav?s do teste de capilaridade (arraste vertical) foi observada a melhora na hidrofilidade do tecido, bem como a influ?ncia da a??o do tempo sobre o tratamento superficial e sua conseq??ncia frente ? molhabilidade. A cria??o de grupos funcionais na camada superficial foi investigada por espectroscopia de fotoel?trons excitados por raios-X (XPS). A topografia foi observada por microscopia de varredura eletr?nica (MEV)