Deuterium uptake in titanium thin films: t ssc00621 the effect of oxide, and the metal (Ti and Fe) overlayers

Michael C. Burrell, Neal R. Armstrong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)235-252
Number of pages18
JournalSurface Science
Volume160
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 1985

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Materials Chemistry

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