Auger Analysis of the Passivation of Gadolinium by Electropolishing

Abstract

A method of electropolishing has been developed at the Ames Laboratory which produces a shiny surface on gadolinium that remains untarnished for years at 20°C. Auger depth profiles have revealed the presence of a chlorine bearing layer on top of the native oxide after electropolishing with a chilled methanol‐perchloric solution. Even though this passivating film is only a few monolayers thick it is continuous and stable for at least two years under room temperature air exposure.