Electronic structure of β-RbNd(MoO4)2 by XPS and XES

Abstract

β-RbNd(MoO4)2 microplates have been prepared by the multistage solid state synthesis method. The phase composition and micromorphology of the final product have been evaluated by XRD and SEM methods. The electronic structure of β-RbNd(MoO4)2 molybdate has been studied employing the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES). For the molybdate, the XPS core-level and valence-band spectra, as well as XES bands representing energy distribution of the Mo 4d- and O 2p-like states, have been measured. It has been established that the O 2p-like states contribute mainly to the upper portion of the valence band with also significant contributions throughout the whole valence-band region. The Mo 4d-like states contribute mainly to a lower valence band portion.