The multi-structure of oxidized-reduced tungsten carbide surface(s)

Abstract

The XPS of bulk tungsten carbide, partially oxidized WC surfaces at 373 and 573 K as well as tungsten trioxide have been reported. Bulk WC has been prepared from WO₃ as a starting material in a mixture of CH₄ (20%) and H₂ (80%) at 1150 K for 4 h, while partially oxidized WC surfaces were prepared by oxygen chemisorption on a clean WC surface at 200 K, then the temperatures were raised to 373 and 573 K respectively. The XPS of a freshly prepared WC reveals the presence of a small amount of WO₃ on the surface and a slightly higher concentration in the bulk. The oxygen-exposed fresh WC surfaces and surfaces treated at temperatures higher than 373 K show the presence of WO₃ in a considerable quantity depending on the length and the treatment temperature. Ar⁺ bombardment of this partially oxidized surface reduces WO₃ to WO₂ and W(0), while WC is partially reduced to W(0). Isomerization reactions of alkanes on oxygen-exposed WC surface occurs in reality on a composite surface structure containing WC, WO₃, WO₂ and elemental W(0).