Enhancing Oxygen Spectra Interpretation by Calculating Oxygen Linked to Adventitious Carbon

ABSTRACT

The presence of adventitious carbon on samples analysed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy can complicate data interpretation. Because adventitious carbon can contain a significant amount of oxygen‐containing functional groups, accounting for its contribution is essential when analysing oxygen. For example, accurately determining the oxygen concentration—free from adventitious carbon contributions—is often crucial for some data interpretation. Additionally, when modelling high‐resolution oxygen 1s spectra, the organic oxygen must be considered to ensure accurate interpretation. Although these aspects of data interpretation should ideally be guided by stoichiometry, the process can be tedious and challenging, particularly for novice users. This Insight Note introduces a method for accounting for organic oxygen associated with adventitious carbon. It provides background information, outlines key assumptions and includes an easy‐to‐use Excel calculator to support this analysis, making the approach more accessible, especially for novice users.