Researchers at Surface Science Western, Western University and Mawson Institute, University of South Australia have developed a variety of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) protocols that allow for a fuller understanding of transition metal chemistries at surfaces. Recent work, published in Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, provides an in-depth look at the bonding within nickel-containing alloys, oxides and halides. Previous work on nickel surfaces has allowed for semi-quantitative analysis of the nickel species present in a sample. As well, a more accurate calculation for estimating oxide film thicknesses on a nickel metal surface has been developed.
These techniques have been expanded upon to cover the entire set of first row transition metals (see publications for (Cr), (Fe), (Ni), (Sc, Ti, V, Cu and Zn) and (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni)).
Surface Science Western 
