Ion bombardment of PbO2 films: water influence of cluster production

Secondary ionization mass spectrometry experiments were carried out in order to study the influence of water on modification of mass spectra obtained from Pb oxide films submitted to aging, heating, and electrochemical treatments. Significant information was obtained about the effect of water on the production of homo- and heterometal clusters and their ionic yields. Interesting aspects have been observed on films electrodeposited from either alkaline or acidic baths. Radiochemical experiments involving measurements of b-activity as a function of deposition temperature and film thickness confirmed the presence of water in the film bulk