In situ rutherford backscattering spectroscopy for electrochemical interphase analysis

Abstract

For the first time, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) has been used for in situ monitoring of the electrochemical interface. A thin membrane (itd ∼ 1.5 μ) was used as a window for the electrochemical cell, separating the liquid electrolyte from the vacuum of the beam line. The working electrode is evaporated onto the backside of the membrane. The design of the electrochemical cell for in situ RBS and first preliminary results for copper deposition onto iridium and oxide formation on titanium are presented. The power and the limits of this new RBS application are briefly discussed.