Study of the electronic structure of UBr4 using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract

X-Ray photoelectron spectra of uranium and bromine core levels and valence bands have been recorded from UBr₄ using a Kratos ES300 electron spectrometer. The spectra are compared to their counterparts recorded from UF₄, UCl₄ and UO₂. The results obtained are discussed as a function of metal ionicity, covalency of the metal–ligand bond and the participation of 5f electrons in bonding. The satellite structure associated with the principal core levels in the early lanthanide and actinide halides are compared to the equivalent satellites observed in transition-metal halides and their origins are discussed.