Skip to main content

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) is a widely used surface analysis technique providing information on the chemical nature and state of detected elements. It is a useful method to determine the surface composition of bio-organic systems and determine organic compositions on mineral surfaces. Chemical information obtained can be further upgraded by expressing the XPS data in terms of concentrations of ingredients, classes of biochemical compounds, or various organic and inorganic compounds.

Imaging XPS system provides fast, quantitative, real-time imaging with high spatial resolution. It can quantitatively determine a sample’s elemental composition within the first 10nm of a surface and allows high-resolution scans to be taken of elemental peaks of interest, determining valuable chemical bonding information.

photograph of the XPS instrument
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) supports the Terrestrial-Atmosphere Processes and Biogeochemical Transformations Integrated Research Platforms.

Research application

XPS can be used to study the biogeochemical and microbial processes that drive fate and transformations of nutrients in soil and shallow subsurface environment. This technique can contribute to understanding the mechanisms and biogeochemical conditions by which organic matter and microbial residues are stabilized or released by mineral surfaces and interfaces. This technique can also be used to study the surface composition of microorganisms to better understand a wide range of interactions involving the cells (aggregation, adhesion, biofilm formation, and infection) and the relationships between surface composition and surface structure.

  • XPS supports the Terrestrial-Atmosphere Processes Integrated Research Platform by analyzing a wide range of chemical and spatial information—helping to uncover and further understand the drivers of various environmental fluxes, including atmospheric and soil interactions among others.
  • XPS supports the Biogeochemical Transformations Integrated Research Platform by enabling new insights into molecular structure and activity, while also helping to answer fundamental questions about environmental chemical, physical, hydrologic, microbial, and atmospheric interactions.

Available Instruments

  • Temperature Programmed Desorption
  • Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy
  • Icon Scattering Spectroscopy
  • Fast entry load lock with pre-cooling device and full-size glove box
  • Cluster/Ar+ ion gun
  • Monchromated X-Ray Gun (Al and Ag anodes)

Tips for success

  • Sample preparation, history, and providence must be discussed prior to sample submission and user analysis. Contact your science point of contact for sample-specific requirements.

Contacts