XPS STUDIES FOR AN IRON-ZIRCONIUM INTERFACE IN AN OXIDIZING ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

A bimetallic film of iron and zirconium (thicknesses about 17 and 52 Å respectively) was deposited on a gold substrate and studied by XPS after exposing to O 2 (approximately 103 L) at room temperature, and then heating at progressively higher temperatures up to 400°C. An iron-oxide/iron/zirconiumoxide sandwich structure is present after the room-temperature exposure to O 2, and this work shows the ready transfer of O from the iron side to the zirconium side of the Fe/Zr interface. Fe migration also occurs at 220°C and above, while by 300°C this diffusion appears to cause a substantial restructuring of the ZrO 2 layer.