X-ray photoemission study of Fe40Ni40B20 metallic glass

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) study of the valence band and the core levels of amorphous Fe40Ni40B20 are presented. The oxides which formed at the surface of as-received sample are due to oxidation of iron and boron. For etched samples, the presence of oxide is not discernible, and the chemical environment is predominantly iron-boron-like, while nickel remains unassociated. The valence band has a high density of states at Fermi levels of amorphous Fe40Ni40B20 are presented. The oxides which formed at the surface of B2s and Fe3d states, and metalloids-states respectively.