X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of aluminum oxalate tetrahydrate

The X-ray photoelectron spectra of aluminum oxalate tetrahydrate have been determined starting at a temperature of -25 degrees C and as a function of elapsed time as the sample warms from -25 to 37 degrees C. At -25 degrees C , two of the oxalate groups are rapidly decomposed by the X-rays. As the sa mple warms, the third oxalate group decomposes and aluminum oxide is produc ed. In contrast, aluminum oxalate tetrahydrate is thermally stable to 60 de grees C, where it begins to lose water. Oxalate does not thermally decompos e until a temperature of 150 degrees C is reached. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scienc e B.V. All rights reserved.