Photoelectron spectrometer (XPS, UPS)

• Subject Area: Molecular Chemistry ; Materials Science
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 548225869

X-rays or UV light can release electrons from a sample via the photoelectric effect. A photoelectron spectrometer analyzes these electrons. The data obtained enables researchers to make statements about the chemical composition of a substance, the oxidation states of the atoms it contains or the band properties of semiconducting samples. Photoelectron spectroscopy has become very important in basic physical research and is increasingly being used in chemical research. Funding is requested for a photoelectron spectrometer (XPS, UPS), which is to be used in chemical material development, particularly in the analysis of inorganic materials, semiconductors and polymers. To enable the expected high sample throughput, the device should allow easy sample preparation and fast sample changes. It should be equipped with a monochromator and a multi-channel detector and have a focusable analysis field so that high-quality measurement data can be generated in a short time. The device should contain a sputter source (e.g. argon ions) and be capable of performing automated depth profile analysis. It should also be possible to carry out angle-dependent measurements automatically. The device should also be equipped with a UV source to enable ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy on semiconducting samples, as knowledge of the band properties of semiconductors and conjugated polymers represents considerable added value for all research groups involved in this application. In addition to the funds for the measuring device, funds are also requested for a PC with operating and evaluation software, on-site training and for a transfer box for the transport of inert samples. The device is to installed at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and will be used in particular by four research groups at the Institute of Chemistry. At the Chair of Inorganic Functional Materials, it will support the development of semiconductors for photoelectrochemical applications (including water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction). At the Chair of Solid State Chemistry, it will be used for research into electrides and other new inorganic materials. The Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry will use it to study polymeric materials like mechanomorphic catalysts and conjugated polymer systems. For the development of micro- and nanostructured materials for energy conversion (including electrolysis, batteries and fuel cells), the device will be used by the Chair of Technical Chemistry of Renewable Energies.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Photoelektronenspektrometer (XPS, UPS)
• Instrumentation Group: 1780 Photoelektronenspektrometer (UPS und XPS)
• Applicant Institution: Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
• Leader: Professor Dr. Wouter Maijenburg