The activities of the Surface Analysis Group involve the use of electron spectroscopy methods to characterize catalysts prepared in the laboratories of the Institute of Catalysis (BAS). Part of the work also includes providing analytical services to external organizations. In many instances, model structures of interest to catalysis—prepared under ultra-high vacuum conditions—are investigated. The equipment used is an ESCALB-MkII electron spectrometer manufactured in 1986 by the British company Vacuum Generators (now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific). The primary analytical techniques employed are X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)—also known as ESCA (Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis)—and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES).
