In Situ X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study of Initial Stages of Tungsten Trioxide Reduction by Low-Energy Hydrogen Bombardment

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c00448
• Publication Date: 2024-03-15T06:54:25Z
• Authors: Ivna Kavre Piltaver; Robert Peter; Kresimir Salamon; Maja Micetic; Mladen Petravic
• Keywords: Tungsten trioxide; Trioxide

The evolution of different W oxidation states and the oxide reduction mechanism polycrystalline WO3 thin films, induced by low-energy H2+ bombardment at room temperature, was investigated in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy around 4f O 1s core levels valence band. A hydrogen tungsten bronze is formed beginning process, as evident from development W5+ state creation O–H bonds. With higher H implantation dose, proceeds with H2O gas molecules, whose time correlates cumulative concentration fractions W4+, W2+, W0 states. generation molecules removes atoms matrix, inducing to lower oxides and, subsequently, metallic W, which dominant phase on surface after 180 min bombardment.