AVS 45th International Symposium
    Applied Surface Science Division Monday Sessions
       Session AS-MoA

Paper AS-MoA2
XPS Investigations of the Chemistries of Soils

Monday, November 2, 1998, 2:20 pm, Room 307

Session: Oxides and Insulators - Surface Characterization and Applications
Presenter: T.L. Barr, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Authors: T.L. Barr, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
E.E. Hoppe, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
S. Hardcastle, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
S. Seal, University of Central Florida
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The present study continues our XPS or ESCA investigations of silicate systems, particularly those in contact with biological materials. In the present case the investigations are extended to a detailed analysis of a wide variety of soil samples extracted from different locations around the world. The samples were selected from relatively pristine sites, pressed into wafers, and were examined without further modification. All of the materials were insulators and therefore analysis required extensive use of the electron flood gun. Careful XPS chemical shift arguments have bee achieved for many silicate minerals. These have been exploited in the present study along with the detailed XPS analysis of organo-funchtional groups rendered by Beemson and Briggs. As a result a fairly detailed simultaneous non-destructive description is provided of both the humus and silt components of these soil samples. Substantial variations in the composition are demonstrated and questions are raised about our classifications of fertility.