Characterisation by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of thin MnxCo3-xO4 (1≥x≥0) spinel films prepared by low-temperature spray pyrolysis

Thin films of MnxCo3-xO4 with x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 0.75; 1, prepared by low temperature (150 degrees C) spray pyrolysis onto a glass substrate with a sublayer of doped SnO2 were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The binding energies of the photo-electron peaks observed for the transition metal ions and the oxygenated ions were recorded. The results indicate that in these materials cobalt is present in both divalent and trivalent states, whereas manganese is found to be Mn3+. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.