Electron loss study of the native oxide of tin

Using electron loss spectroscopy in combination with ion beam depth profiling, it has been established that the oxide of tin formed by electropolishing followed by room temperature aging is metal free and composed of a mixture of SnO2 and SnO. In a fresh oxide layer, the SnO2 is confined to the outer portion of the predominantly SnO oxide. In an aged oxide layer, SnO2 is present up to the oxide/metal interface with an ever decreasing concentration as the interface is approached.