Liquid-Solid Interfaces

In this note we present first AP-XPS results from a commercial liquid electrolyte for lithium ion battery production recorded at 10 mbar in the EnviroESCA. The solution is LiPF6 in EC/DMC as a common battery electrolyte. First we analyzed the LiPF6 solution in its vapor and liquid phase. In a second step we immersed V2O5, a typical cathode material, in this solution. Photoelectron spectra show significant chemical differences on the studied surfaces. This proof of principle study shows the enormous potential of the EnviroESCA for AP-XPS investigations of solid-liquid interfaces and the simplicity of the experimental setup.

In this note we present first NAP-XPS results from a fresh tomato and apple using the EnviroESCA. Portions of tomato and apple were introduced into the system and the pressure was stabilized at 10 mbar. Different regions on the surface were studied and the photoelectron spectra show significant chemical differences between these regions. This study demonstrates the unique NAP XPS capabilities of the EnviroESCA and extends the field of applications to (processed) food samples and other natural or biological samples that could not be studied by XPS up to now.

In this note we present (N)AP XPS results from the first comparative ex-situ and operando corrosion study on the reaction of commercial paper clips in concentrated vinegar solution containing 25% acetic acid.