Abstract
Titanium thin films prepared in UHV were reacted with deuterium (PD2 〈1 × 10-5 Torr) to various loadings, as determined by microgravimetry using a quartz crystal microbalance. The kinetics of deuterium absorption favor a mechanism in which an α-phase surface deuteride forms on the film during the early stages of the reaction, resulting in a constant rate of deuterium uptake during most of the reaction. Surface characterization by AES and ELS, however, demonstrated spectral changes which were dependent on the bulk film stoichiometry. Electron-beam decomposition of the surface deuteride during AES analysis is postulated to explain this results. Oxidation of the titanium film surface caused a decrease in the deuterium absorption rate, completely inhibiting the reaction when oxide of thickness 20 Å or greater were formed. Fresh titanium layers on top of the oxide renewed the ability of the Ti film to take up D2 at the previous rate. Iron adlayers were found to accelerate the D2 absorption rate if Ti films, or to likewise reactive oxidized Ti surfaces.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 235-252 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Surface Science |
Volume | 160 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1 1985 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Surfaces and Interfaces
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films
- Materials Chemistry