Surface Y2O3 layer formed on air exposed Y powder characterized by XPS

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed to characterize the air formed Y2O3 surface layer on yttrium powder. Prior to XPS measurements, x-ray diffraction was performed to confirm the presence of Y2O3. The air formed Y2O3 displayed little residual metallic Y remaining at the surface with contamination from hydrocarbons. In addition to the survey scan, detailed charge corrected scans for Y 3s, Y 3p, Y 4s, Y 4p, O 1s, O 2s, and C 1s surface photoelectron signals are reported.