Angle resolved XPS of monomolecular layer of 5-chlorobenzotriazole on oxidized metallic surface

Angle resolved XPS is used to study adsorption of 5-chlorobenzotriazole (5-chloroBTAH) on surfaces of the oxidized metals: mild steel, copper and zinc from borate buffer solution (pH 7.4). It is shown that for the metals studied the 5-chloroBTA anions, when adsorbed, form a monomolecular layer whose thickness is similar to 6 angstrom comparable with the size of BTA. As XPS evidences adsorption proceeds with deprotonation of 5-chloroBTAH and formation of the coordination bonds between the lone pair of nitrogens and cation of a metal. Measuring XPS at two different angles unequivocally points out almost vertical arrangement of the anions toward the sample surface, when chlorine atoms form outmost virtual layer. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.