using monochromated Al Kα X-rays from an Omicron XM1000 MkII
X-ray source and Omicron EA125 hemispherical analyzer with ±0.05
eV resolution. A take-off angle of 45°, acceptance angle of 8°,
and pass energy of 15 eV were employed during spectral acquisition.
The BE scale was referenced to the adventitious carbon species in
the C 1s core level (285.8 eV). Spectra were deconvolved using AAnalyzer,49 a curve fitting software.
For structural
analysis, cross-section samples were obtained by using the Dual Beam
Helios NanoLab 600i system from FEI, using a Ga ion beam. Layers of
the protective material were used consisting of electron beam deposited
C, Pt, and ion beam deposited C. Lamellas were thinned and polished
at 30 kV 100 pA and 5 kV 47 pA, respectively. XTEM imaging was carried
out using a JEOL 2100 HRTEM, operated at 200 kV in the bright field
mode using a Gatan double tilt holder. EDX mapping was carried out
using a Thermo Fisher Scientific Titan Themis operated of 300 kV in
the STEM mode using the Bruker SuperX silicon drift detector.