EnviroESCA

Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis under Environmental Conditions Allows the Near Ambient Pressure (NAP) XPS Analysis of Catalysts, Liquids and Liquid-Solid Interfaces.

KEY FEATURES

• Fast Quality Control 
• High Throughput Analysis
• Controllable Atmosphere
• Revolutionary Technology
• Ergonomic all-in-one Design
• Fully Software Controlled

The SPECS EnviroESCA is  a novel and smart analysis tool, that overcomes the barriers of standard XPS systems by enabling analyses at pressures far above UHV. EnviroESCA is designed for high-throughput analysis and opens up new applications in the fields of medical technology, biotechnology and the life sciences. It offers the shortest loading-to-measurement time on samples of all types including liquids, tissue, plastics and foils, powders, soil, zeolites, rocks, minerals and ceramics.

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APPLICATION NOTES

Near ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy of fruit and vegetables

In this note we present first NAP-XPS results from a fresh tomato and apple using the EnviroESCA. Portions of tomato and apple were introduced into the system and the pressure was stabilized at 10 mbar. Different regions on the surface were studied and the photoelectron spectra show significant chemical differences between these regions. This study demonstrates the unique NAP XPS capabilities of the EnviroESCA and extends the field of applications to (processed) food samples and other natural or biological samples that could not be studied by XPS up to now.

AP-XPS investigations of a commercial lithium-based electrolyte

In this note we present first AP-XPS results from a commercial liquid electrolyte for lithium ion battery production recorded at 10 mbar in the EnviroESCA. The solution is LiPF6 in EC/DMC as a common battery electrolyte. First we analyzed the LiPF6 solution in its vapor and liquid phase. In a second step we immersed V2O5, a typical cathode material, in this solution. Photoelectron spectra show significant chemical differences on the studied surfaces. This proof of principle study shows the enormous potential of the EnviroESCA for AP-XPS investigations of solid-liquid interfaces and the simplicity of the experimental setup.

Investigation of Polymers and Plastics with EnviroESCA

This application note describes how EnviroESCA can be used to analyze the surface of polymers and bulk insulating material. EnviroESCAs ability to perform X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) at non vacuum conditions shows its main advantage when being applied to insulating material. Specimens that tend to charge up under vacuum conditions and need to be extensive charge compensated with expensive low energy electron and low energy ion sources can be measured with ease and without the problem of overcompensation.

Investigation of a Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) with EnviroESCA

In this study we show how EnviroESCA can be used to analyze the surface of superabsorbent polymers under different environmental conditions. EnviroESCA’s ability to perform X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) under ambient conditions shows its main advantage when being applied to insulating material that change their surface (chemistry) when they come in contact with different liquids and gases - in this case water. Specimens that tend to charge up under vacuum conditions can be measured with ease.

XPS surface chemical analysis of aqueous solutions with EnviroESCA

In this study we present the capabilites of EnviroESCA to analyze the surface of various aqueous solutions under near ambient pressure conditions. Such investigations of aqueous solutions are of paramount importance due to the vast number of essential water based processes in nature and industry.

XPS surface analysis of a human urolith with EnviroESCA

A single human urinary stone (urolith) was characterized using EnviroESCA. The result of surface chemical analysis of the as received samples is presented. Charge neutralization on this insulating material is accomplished by Environmental Charge Compensation.

XPS surface analysis of human tooth samples with EnviroESCA

Human teeth from an adult and a baby were studied using EnviroESCA. The results of surface chemical analysis of the as-received human tissues samples are presented. Neutralization of the insulating bio-material is accomplished by Environmental Charge Compensation enabling X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) on tissues as tooth or bone.

XPS surface analysis of cuttlefish bone samples with EnviroESCA

Biological mineral samples from a cuttlefish (sepia) were studied using EnviroESCA. The results of surface chemical analysis of the native and ion implantation treated samples are presented. Neutralization of the insulating biomaterial is accomplished by Environmental Charge Compensation enabling X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) on tissue samples.

XPS surface analysis of V2O5 upon heating with EnviroESCA

This application note presents how EnviroESCA can be used to analyze samples during heating under near ambient pressure conditions using various gas atmospheres. Such investigations of surfaces at elevated temperatures and pressures are of paramount importance for catalysis in nature and industry.

XPS surface chemical analysis of bacterial samples with EnviroESCA

This application note presents how EnviroESCA can be used to analyze bacterial samples under near ambient pressure conditions in various states of hydration using different levels of humidity. Such investigations of bacterial cell wall surfaces in their hydrated state are essential for studying biological interfaces at work.

Near-ambient pressure XPS of hydrated Escherichia coli samples with EnviroESCA

This application note presents how EnviroESCA can be used to analyze E. coli biofilms on silicon under near ambient pressure conditions in various states of hydration. Such investigations of the outer bacterial cell surface in their hydrated state are essential for studying biological interfaces at work.

Gas Cluster Ion Beam (GCIB) sputtering with EnviroESCA

This application note presents how the optional GCIB source at the EnviroESCA can be used to clean samples prior to XPS analysis to get reproducible analytical data and reliable quantification results. Moreover, Argon cluster Arn⁺ (n=500-5000) sputtering and depth profiling of (bio)organic samples is possible which cannot be done when using monoatomic Arn+ sputtering.

XPS surface analysis of Italian hard cheese with EnviroESCA

This application note presents how EnviroESCA can be used to analyze the surface of food samples, e.g., Italian hard cheese. Due to the advanced vacuum system of EnviroESCA the surface analysis of Food samples even in the presence of fat and oils or volatiles is performed without problems.

XPS surface analysis of printed paper samples with EnviroESCA

Results of the surface analysis of four paper samples obtained in EnviroESCA are presented. Neutralization of this insulating biopolymer is accomplished by Environmental Charge Compensation enabling X-ray Pho-toelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) on such important natural material with ease.

Real World Device Inspection Application with EnviroESCA

This application note introduces EnviroESCA as a tool for real world device inspection for microelectronics. A printed circuit board was taken directly from the sales packaging and was investigated with XPS. The measurements concentrate on the crucial parts like contact surfaces and soldering joints. EnviroESCA and near ambient pressure XPS (NAP-XPS) in quality control applications aims to optimize manufacturing processes and device quality in general.

Investigation of Hydrogel Contact Lenses with EnviroESCA

In this application note we analyze the surface of water filled hydrogels with EnviroESCA, Here, contact lenses serve as an example for medical and biomaterials. The advantage of such investigations under non ultrahigh vacuum conditions is demonstrated and results from wet and dry samples are compared.

XPS surface analysis of Zeolites with EnviroESCA

In this note we demonstrate how the surface of Clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite, can be analysed with EnviroESCA. It describes how the Environmental Charge Compensation can be used to compensate for charging of the sample surface to be able to measure X-ray Photoelectron Spectra with ease.

XPS surface analysis of a leaf with EnviroESCA

This application note presents the application of EnviroESCA to the field of biology and surface spectroscopy of biological samples. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements on different sites of a leaf will be discussed. It will be shown that XPS is able to detect residues of calcium chloride, being used as a fertilizer, on the leafs surface.

EnviroESCA and NAP-XPS in the field of Cosmetic Science

This application note presents the application of EnviroESCA to the field of Cosmetic Sciences and Forensic Sciences. Near Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) measurements on human hair treated with different personal hair care products.

EnviroESCA applications in Scientific Archaeology

In the present application note EnviroESCA is used for chemical Analysis in the field of Archaeometry. Besides the ability of Near Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) to analyze the surface composition of metallic and nonmetallic specimens, EnviroESCA allows for a nondestructive analysis of artifacts without special pretreatment procedures.

XPS surface analysis of a coffee bean with EnviroESCA

The Analysis of food and natural products under environmental conditions is of great importance due to their daily use and direct interaction with humans during consumption. In this study we investigated a roated coffee bean. Charge compensation of this insulating natural product is accomplished by Environmental Charge Compensation enabling X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on such biological material with ease.

XPS surface analysis of an ionic liquid with EnviroESCA

This application note presents how EnviroESCA can be used to analyze the surface of ionic liquids in contact with gases under application relevant conditions in the near ambient pressure region.

XPS surface analysis of sesame seeds with EnviroESCA

Results of the surface analysis of untreated food samples, e.g., sesame seeds, measured with EnviroESCA are presented. High resolution and high quality spectra are recorded using Environmental Charge Compensation even for samples in bulk quantities.

Corrosion study of a paper clip in vinegar with EnviroESCA

In this note we present (N)AP XPS results from the first comparative ex-situ and operando corrosion study on the reaction of commercial paper clips in concentrated vinegar solution containing 25% acetic acid.