X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray auger electron spectroscopy and electron spin resonance studies of the reduction of some solid metal 12-molybdophosphates

Abstract

The X.p.s. (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), X.A.e.s. (X-ray Auger electron spectroscopy), and e.s.r. (electron spin resonance) studies of palladium, zinc, silver and copper(II) 12-molybdophosphates (3–) in the solid state have been made with reference to the behaviour of electrons formed by reduction with hydrogen. The results obtained indicate that the electrons are more preferentially captured by the cations than by Mo⁶⁺ atoms in 12-molybdophosphate anions when the cations are of high electron affinity. The significance of this finding in relation to the role played by cations in heterogeneous catalytic oxidations is discussed.