Small area X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technique is employed to s
tudy the chemical bonding of metal-ceramic interfaces. Nb, Al2O3 and N
b/Al2O3 interface samples are chosen for the analyses. The results sho
w that there is a chemical reaction at the interface. Nb donates elect
rons to surface O atoms with an Nb-O bond forming at the interface and
Nb has an Nb5+ state at the interface.