Advanced XPS Measurements for High Performance Coatings

This feasibility study will assess the use of recent innovations in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to measure key properties of ultra-thin coatings of precious metals. These coatings provide critical improvements to the performance of fuel cells for cars and their development requires new measurement methods to ensure their chemistry, thickness and lack of defects. This development offers a new capability for the measurement of coatings which may be only a few atoms thick and will be useful for many different types of coatings. The project brings together Teer Coatings Ltd, an advanced coatings company, Kratos Analytical Ltd, a leading photoelectron spectrometer manufacturer, and the National Physical Laboratory, the UK national measurement institute.