Details

The Physical-Chemistry of Surfaces group works on relationships between structure, chemical composition of metals and alloys surfaces, and the properties of metal/gas or metal/liquid interfaces, including the key role of surface oxide films.

An integrated approach, combining experimental characterization and simulation of well defined model systems at the nano and atomic scale, is used to understand the macroscopic properties, applications are mainly in material area and energy fields.

The surface analysis is a key point of our expertise. The metal/gas and metal/liquid interfaces are characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic methods including X-ray Photoelectcron Spectroscopy, Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry, Scanning Tunnel Macroscopy and Atomic Force

Keywords

  • Corrosion
  • Surfaces science
  • Energy and transport
  • XPS
  • ToF-SIMS
  • STM
  • Modeling
  • Metals
  • Alloys

Permanent members

Non-permanent members

Areas of research

The aim of the PCS group is to understand and control the relationships between the structure and chemical composition of metal and alloy surfaces, and the properties of metal/gas and metal/liquid interfaces, from the nanometric scale to macroscopic properties, with applications in the materials and energy fields.

Scientific equipment

This platform for chemical and structural analysis (including surface microscopy and spectroscopy) integrates multiple interconnected chambers and constitutes a system suited for studying materials interacting with various environments (vacuum, gas, liquid).

This nanosurface characterization platform consists of near-field microscopy techniques, including scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) for structural surface analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for chemical analysis, and electrochemistry for reactivity in liquid environments, all housed within a connected enclosure system.

XPS and STM measurements can be performed in situ in the presence of gas and at variable temperatures. In situ electrochemistry and liquid-phase STM are conducted within a glovebox directly connected via an airlock transfer system. One chamber is dedicated to surface preparation (ion bombardment, controlled thermal treatments).

This multi-environment platform enables research on material surface properties, particularly focusing on metallic materials. These interdisciplinary investigations span a broad domain, bridging the gap between chemistry, physics, and biology. The platform establishes a close link between surface science, material science, electrochemistry, and corrosion. It serves as a genuine laboratory for studying materials within their environment, simulating real-world conditions

Funding for this platform has been partially provided by the Ile-de-France region, CNRS, and Chimie ParisTech1

The XPS platform performs chemical analysis of the extreme surface (within a few nanometers) of all types of materials. The PCS team specializes in the analysis of metallic surfaces.

FIelds of application

Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful tool for characterizing the surface of any solid material (maximum depth of analysis 10 nm).

  • analyse all elements (except H and He) and quantify their atomic concentration (detection limit 1%)
  • determine the nature of bonds, the local environment and/or the degree of oxidation of most elements
  • in-depth chemical profiles using an ion beam

Specificity of the platform

The platform consists of an analysis chamber, two preparation chambers and a glovebox. A first airlock is used to introduce samples from the outside into the first preparation chamber, while a second lock is connected to the glove box and enables samples to be introduced directly from the glove box into the analysis chamber without being vented.

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