University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
Smooth polycrystalline Nb metal foils were treated in dilute gas atmospheres using a temperature of 900 °C. Transmission mode X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EX-AFS) at the Nb K-edge was used to investigate changes in the atomic short-range order structure of the bulk Nb-material in-situ. The experiments were performed in a dedicated high-vacuum cell that allows treatments in a dilute gas atmosphere and temperatures of up to 1200 °C. Typical treatments include (i) pre-heating at 900 °C under high-vacuum, (ii) gas exposure at the desired pressure and temperature, and (iii) cooldown to room temperature under vacuum. EXAFS data were collected during the entire procedure with a time resolution of 1 s. For the treatments in N2 at T = 900°C, the data show subtle changes in the Nb-EXAFS, that are compatible with N-doping of the bulk Nb, and the results suggest Nb uptake on octahedral interstitial sites. However, even a small O2-partial pressure leads to distinct oxidation of the Nb. The results will be discussed in more detail in the presentation.
