Surface composition analysis during the oxidation of ferrites: A necessity

Université de Bourgogne (LRRS, UMR 5613 CNRS), 9 avenue A. Savary, BP 400, 21011 Dijon Cedex, France

Corresponding author: byhan@satie.u-bourgogne.fr

Received: 14 April 1998
Revised: 6 July 1998
Accepted: 8 July 1998
Published online: 15 November 1998

Abstract

The cationic composition of a titanium ferrite (Fe_2.5Ti_0.5O₄) has been followed by XPS during its oxidation in cation deficient phases (without crystallographic transformation) in order to reveal a dynamic segregation phenomenon. Indeed, during this oxidation, an important modification of the chemical composition of the first layers of the material has been revealed: below 350 °C, the titanium ferrites surface becomes richer in iron and poorer in titanium. But, if the reaction is extended above 400 °C, some titanium can move to the surface. This phenomenon has been interpreted on the basis of the differences of mobility of the different ions which are present in the material. Finally, at 450 °C, on the surface of the spinel, the α–Fe₂O₃ phase begins to appear and hides the ferrite.