Surface and interface analysis

Surfaces are formed in the transition from one state of matter to another, whether the two phases are chemically distinct or not. Thus, surfaces exist at interphases or interfaces between two phases of either the same or different materials. For example, the surface of an ice cube in a glass of water represents an interface between two phases that are identical in chemical composition. The surface of a straw in the same glass of water represents an example of an interface between chemically distinct materials. 

The interested reader is referred to numerous other compendiums of information on this broad topic (1 5). Particularly noteworthy are the series of Fundamental Reviews on specific techniques that appear biennially in the JinalyticalChemistty. These Reviews report developments in specific fields 

The chemical, stmctural, and electronic characteristics of surfaces and interfaces are usually different from those of the bulkphase(s). Thus, methods to be used for the analysis of surfaces must be selective in response to the surface or interfacial region relative to the bulk. Surfaces and interfaces are most commonly explored using techniques based on the interaction of photons, electrons, or ions with the surface or using a force such as electric field or van der Waals attraction. These excitations generate a response involving the production of photons, electrons, ions or the alteration of a force that is then sensed in the analysis. 

The choice of which of these exciting species or forces, and hence technique, to use depends on the nature of the information sought about the surface. This article is organized around a discussion of techniques which can be used to answer the following important fundamental questions that are typically asked about surfaces and interfaces  

What does the surface or interface look like  

The interested reader is referred to numerous other compendiums of information on this broad topic (1—5). Particulady noteworthy are the series of Fundamental Reviews on specific techniques that appear biennially in the joumal Analytical Chemistry. These Reviews report developments in specific fields since the previous report, and usually provide an up-to-date perspective of significant advances made in the field. Of particular relevance to this article are the Fundamental Reviews on surface analysis, scanning probe microscopy, and ir spectroscopy which have appeared recendy (5). 

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Stoohr J, Ederer D L, Perera R C C, Tong W and Shunli D K 1995 Surface and interface analysis at 3rd generation light sources Prog. Surf Sci. 50 37-51... 

SURFACE AND INTERFACE ANALYSIS] (Supplement) [SURFACE AND INTERFACE ANALYSIS] (Supplement)... 

An introduction to several of the more common methods of surface and interface analysis has been presented in this article. This treatment is certainly not comprehensive. An ever-expanding number of methods for the interrogation of surfaces and interfaces are available to the analyst. The ones chosen for discussion here were meant to be representative of methods that can answer the more general questions posed at the beginning of this article. The reader is encouraged to pursue further reading on other techniques for specific appHcations in the many excellent monographs on the subject of surface and interface analysis. 

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