Antimony

Antimony • Metalloid

Primary XPS region: Sb3d
Overlapping regions: O1s
Binding energies of common chemical states:

Chemical state	Binding energy Sb3d_5/2
Sb metal	528.3 eV
Sb₂O₃	529.9 eV
Sb₂O₅	530.9 eV
SbF₃	531.7 eV

Experimental information

Collect entire Sb3d region (up to 550eV), making sure both Sb3d_5/2 and Sb3d_3/2 components are acquired.

Interpretation of XPS spectra

Sb3d region has well-separated spin-orbit components (Δ=9.39eV).
- The peak shape for antimony metal is approximately symmetric.
There is a direct overlap between Sb3d_5/2 and O1s peaks.
- Use Sb3d_3/2, which does not overlap with O1s, as a guide for any peak fitting.
- Intensity and binding energy of Sb3d_5/2 peak is set by the Sb3d_3/2 peak, according to the spin-orbit splitting and ratio.
- Remainder of intensity under at Sb3d_5/2 energy can then be attributed to oxygen.

‹Metalloid Elements

Table of Elements

About this element

Symbol: Sb
Date of discovery: ancient times
Name origin: Greek anti & monos
Appearance: bluish
Discoverer: unknown
Obtained from: stibnite, valentinite

Melting point: 903.78 K
Boiling point: 1860 K
Density[kg/m³]: 6697
Molar volume: 18.19 × 10^-6 m³/mol
Protons/Electrons: 51
Neutrons: 71
Shell structure: 2,8,18,18,5
Electron configuration: [Kr]4d105s25p3
Oxidation state: ±1
Crystal structure: rhombohedral

Antimony is used to harden other metals. In particular, it is widely used to harden lead for batteries. This semiconductor is also used to produce diodes and infrared detectors. Antimony trioxide is used in flame retardant substances, such as aircraft and automobile seat covers, along with clothing and toys for children. The sulfide of antimony, stibnite, was used as medicine and cosmetics during Biblical times. The name for stibnite was passed on to the Greeks and eventually gave rise to the Latin term stibium. Jacob Berzelius, inventor of modern chemical notation, used Sb as an abbreviation for antimony in his writings, and this became its elemental symbol.

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