Transition probability effect on the shape of electron energy distribution in X-ray electron spectra of copper, silver and palladium

Engineering metal–metal oxide surfaces for high-performance oxygen reduction on Ag–Mn electrocatalysts

“…In agreement with the X-ray spectroscopic analysis discussed above in Sections 3.1 and 3.2, the VBs for Ag and Mn shown in Fig. 8a–c are consistent with those previously reported for Ag 44,72–74 metal and MnO 43 . Moreover, the Ag-rich thin films ( x = 95, 90, 70% and y = 0.3 and 1 nm) exhibit a VB shape similar to that of pure Ag, while the Mn-rich thin films ( x = 30% and y = 5 and 10 nm) exhibit a VB shape closer to that of the pure Mn thin film.…”

“…Moreover, the Ag-rich thin films (x = 95, 90, 70% and y = 0.3 and 1 nm) exhibit a VB shape similar to that of pure Ag, while the Mn-rich thin films (x = 30% and y = 5 and 10 nm) exhibit a VB shape closer to that of the pure Mn thin film. Given that the VB probes the electrons involved in bonding, including those in the d-band, 43,44,[72][73][74] trends in VB center and/or normalized area could relate to changes in average nearsurface adsorbate binding strength. 75 Therefore, if the d-band of the Ag x Mn 1Àx and Mn y @Ag thin films followed the VB trends shown in Fig.…”