Compression of a Stearic Acid Surfactant Layer on Water Investigated by Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

We present a combined Langmuir-Pockels trough and ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) study of the compression of stearic acid surfactant layers on neat water. Changes in the packing density of the molecules are directly determined from C 1s and O 1s APXPS data. The experimental data are fit with a 2D model for the stearic acid coverage. Based on the results of these proof-of-principle experiments, we discuss the remaining challenges that need to be overcome for future investigations of the role of surfactants in heterogeneous chemical reactions at liquid-vapor interfaces in combined Langmuir-Pockels trough and APXPS measurements.

Water-polyamide chemical interplay in desalination membranes explored by ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Reverse osmosis using aromatic polyamide membranes is currently the most important technology for seawater desalination. The performance of reverse osmosis membranes is highly dependent on the interplay of their surface chemical groups with water and water contaminants. In order to better understand the underlying mechanisms of these membranes, we study ultrathin polyamide films that chemically resemble reverse osmosis membranes, using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This technique can identify the functional groups at the membrane-water interface and allows monitoring of small shifts in the electron binding energy that indicate interaction with water. We observe deprotonation of free acid groups and formation of a 'water complex' with nitrogen groups in the polymer upon exposure of the membrane to water vapour. The chemical changes are reversed when water is removed from the membrane. While the correlation between functional groups and water uptake is an established one, this experiment serves to understand the nature of their chemical interaction, and opens up possibilities for tailoring future materials to specific requirements.

Water adsorption on vanadium oxide thin films in ambient relative humidity.

In this work, ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) is used to study the initial stages of water adsorption on vanadium oxide surfaces. V 2p, O 1s, C 1s, and valence band XPS spectra were collected as a function of relative humidity in a series of isotherm and isobar experiments. Experiments were carried out on two VO2 thin films on TiO2 (100) substrates, prepared with different surface cleaning procedures. Hydroxyl and molecular water surface species were identified, with up to 0.5 ML hydroxide present at the minimum relative humidity, and a consistent molecular water adsorption onset occurring around 0.01% relative humidity. The work function was found to increase with increasing relative humidity, suggesting that surface water and hydroxyl species are oriented with the hydrogen atoms directed away from the surface. Changes in the valence band were also observed as a function of relative humidity. The results were similar to those observed in APXPS experiments on other transition metal oxide surfaces, suggesting that H2O-OH and H2O-H2O surface complex formation plays an important role in the oxide wetting process and water dissociation. Compared to polycrystalline vanadium metal, these vanadium oxide films generate less hydroxide and appear to be more favorable for molecular water adsorption.

How Indium Nitride Senses Water.

The unique electronic band structure of indium nitride InN, part of the industrially significant III-N class of semiconductors, offers charge transport properties with great application potential due to its robust n-type conductivity. Here, we explore the water sensing mechanism of InN thin films. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, core level spectroscopy, and theory, we derive the charge carrier density and electrical potential of a two-dimensional electron gas, 2DEG, at the InN surface and monitor its electronic properties upon in situ modulation of adsorbed water. An electric dipole layer formed by water molecules raises the surface potential and accumulates charge in the 2DEG, enhancing surface conductivity. Our intuitive model provides a novel route toward understanding the water sensing mechanism in InN and, more generally, for understanding sensing material systems beyond InN.