66188 - Analysis of Surfaces and X-Ray Spectroscopies

Learning outcomes

The student learns the main surface analytical techniques and their typical application in different fields. The student learns the x-ray methods as analytical, structural and electronic probe for materials.

Course contents

Introduction to surface analysis.

X-rays: origin and generation. X-ray absorption coefficient and mass absorption coefficient. Calculations and examples on mass absorption coefficient. Decay of the core-hole: x-ray Fluorescence and Auger effect. Analytical application of Absorption.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy and the acronyms XANES, EXAFS, SEXAFS, NEXAFS, … Experimental methods: absorption and fluorescence. Synchrotron radiation. XAS Spectroelectrochemistry and cells for in-situ measurements. Applications: Examples in the field of solution chemistry, surfaces, catalysis, batteries, inorganic and biological materials.

X-ray fluorescence. instruments and applications. The matrix effect in x-ray fluorescence.

Main surface electron-probe techniques: ESCA and Auger. Instruments and characteristics, resolution and sampling depth. Chemical shifts.

Main surface ion techniques: SIMS and ISS: Instruments and characteristics, sampling depth and chemical information.

Readings/Bibliography

Willard, Merrit, Dean, Settle, "Instrumental methods of analysis" WADSWORTH PUBLISHING COMPANY

G. Bunker, “Introduction to XAFS” Cambridge University Press, 2010.

Teaching methods

The course involves front lectures mainly and one exercitation using the XRF spectrometer. Students are also encouraged to communicate their particular interests so that the class can be developed to suit their needs.

Assessment methods

The final examination will determine the level reached by the student in the objectives set out in the " Learning outcomes”. In particular the aim is to evaluate the level of the understanding of criteria for: the choice of the most suitable surface technique for several specific applications by also identifying their strengths and weaknesses; to evaluate the level of the understanding of the various basic phenomena of X rays-based surface techniques; to assess the understanding of the various instrumental components; to evaluate the personal understanding and originality.

Students are asked to take an oral examination in one of the scheduled sessions at the end of the course. The oral examination consists of 3-4 questions based on the topics of the course. The first question was considered a basis and regards the understanding of the characteristics of absorption of X-rays of a material.

The final grade, expressed on a 30 base, is based on the capacity of the student to present the different topics in a synthetic and complete manner, and to understand the links among the topics of the course.

The duration of the oral examination is about 30-40 minutes.

Teaching tools

Slides relating to lectures and other material useful for exam preparation is made available to the student electronically via the Internet. To get the teaching material the student must be connected to the site : http://campus.unibo.it/. Username and password are reserved for students enrolled at the University of Bologna and will be provided by the teacher.

Links to further information

http://www.unibo.it/faculty/marco.giorgetti

Office hours

See the website of Marco Giorgetti