Doublet Separations #

Ru 3d = 4.2 eV

Ru 3p = 22.4 eV

Ru 4p = 3 eV

Common Overlaps for Ru 3d #

C 1s – Ce 4s – Os 4d – Sr 3p – Tb 4p – Eu 4p – Kr 3s – K 2p – Dy 4p – Th 5s

Auger Energies #

Note – these are listed in KINETIC ENERGY

Ru MNN ≈ 270 eV

Common Binding Energies – Ru 3d #

Theory and Background #

Ruthenium (Ru) is a metal typically found in catalysis, electrochemistry and electrical applications.

XPS analysis of ruthenium is complicated due to the main Ru(3d) core-level overlapping with the C(1s) region, so spectra can be dominated by adventitious carbon signals, or that of an activated carbon support.

As with many metals, Ru exhibits asymmetry to its metallic core-lines, with RuO₂ also exhibiting asymmetric Ru(3d) and also O(1s) core levels due to the conducting nature of the material (as shown below).

Ru 3d 5/2 and 3/2 peaks have differing FWHM due to Coster-Kronig effects.

RuO₂ is found typically in one of two forms; anhydrous and the more common hydrated form which clearly shows the asymmetric nature of the peaks and screened states giving rise to satellite species often confused with higher oxidation states and can be seen below, together with the adventitious carbon overlap.

Experimental Advice #

RuCl₃ will reduce under X-ray illumination, take care when analysing. See our page on sample damage in XPS for more information on how to overcome this.

Record both the Ru 3d and Ru 3p peaks when analysing Ru to help overcome C 1s overlap. For low loadings (e.g. Ru catalysts) of Ru, this might require long scan times. Suggest pass energy of 40 eV minimum for these samples.

Data Analysis Guidance #

Ruthenium Metal Fits (pass energy = 20 eV) (1)

For more fits – see the work of Dr. David Morgan in Surface and Interface Analysis

Reference Datasets #

Coming soon

References #