Native oxides on etched Zn₃P₂ surfaces studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The native oxides formed on air exposed, etched bulk polycrystalline Zn₃P₂ were investigated in the as-etched condition, using x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The sputter-etched surfaces appeared to be composed primarily of ZnO with a small concentration of P₂O ₃ or phosphate underneath. The bromine-methanol etched surfaces were less oxidized, and the native oxides appeared to become predominantly of phosphorus compound oxides. P₂O₅ was not observed in either case.