X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies of nickel-oxygen surfaces using oxygen and argon ion-bombardment

We have studied the surface chemistry of the nickel-oxygen system using both temperature changes and ion bombardment as techniques for elucidating the surface structure. The spectra of metallic Ni, NiO and Ni₂O₃ were characterized from samples prepared directly in the spectrometer. The Ni₂O₃ species could be distinguished from an authentic Ni(OH)₂ sample from both the X-ray photoelectron lines and the Auger transitions. The oxides of NiO and Ni₂O₃ could be prepared by bombardment with low energy (400eV) O₂⁺ ions as well as by exposure of Ni to oxygen at reduced pressure (∼ 100 torr). The Ni₂O₃ was found to be present on most nickel-oxygen surfaces except those prepared by exposing Ni to air for many hours at high temperature (> 600°C), indicating that the stability of Ni₂O₃ decreased as the temperature increased. Exposure of both NiO and Ni₂O₃ to 400 eV Ar⁺ ion bombardment caused reduction to metallic Ni. This observation has also been noted for several other oxides and a prediction of whether or not reduction should be observed is presented by examining the free energy of formation of the molecule.