PHOTOELECTRON-SPECTRA OF AND THE CHEMICAL-BOND IN BORIDES

The X-ray photoelectron spectra of transition metal borides were studied with a view to estimating the charge state of boron. The spectra were recorded with an IEE-15 spectrometer under a vacuum of about 3 × 10-7 Torr. The bond energy of the 1s electrons of boron was determined with an accuracy of ± (0.1 · 0.2) eV with respect to the Fermi level of the spectrometer. The bond energies of the 1s electrons of boron and of the 2p 3 2 electrons of the transition metals were determined using pure metals and borides. The results are discussed on the basis of the electron structure of the metal and boron atoms forming the boride. Conclusions are drawn about the type and strength of the chemical bond in borides. © 1979.