In situ high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy - Fundamental insights in surface reactions

Herein, we will review some specific scientific aspects which can be addressed by in situ XPS in order to demonstrate the power and potential of the method: In particular, the following topics will be addressed: (1) The sensitivity of the binding energy to adsorption sites will be analyzed, using CO on metals as example. From measurements at different temperatures, the binding energy difference between different sites can be derived, and exchange processes between different adsorbate species at step edges can be followed. (2) The vibrational fine structure of adsorbed small hydrocarbon species on metal surfaces will be analyzed in detail. We will first introduce the linear coupling model, then discuss the properties of adsorbed methyl and of a number of other small hydrocarbons, and show that the vibrational signature can be used as fingerprint for identifying surface species. (3) It is demonstrated that the binding energy of equivalent atoms in a molecule can be differentially changed by adsorption to a substrate; this sensitivity to the local environment will be discussed for adsorbed ethylene, benzene and graphene. (4) By temperature programmed XPS, the thermal evolution of adsorbed species can be followed in great detail, allowing for the identification of reaction intermediates and the determination of their stabilities. (5) The investigation of reaction kinetics by isothermal XPS measurements will be discussed; here results for the oxidation of sulfur and of CO will be presented and the corresponding activation energies of the rate limiting steps will be determined.