Abstract: The depth profile of composition,chemical state of elements and morphology of as- received and activated amorphous Fe_(80)Zr_(12)B_8 alloy ribbons have been studied by means of Auger electron spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning Auger microprobe combined with Ar ion bombardment.Both dull and free sides of the as- received ribbons were covered with an iron oxide layer.While a pronounced surface segregation and oxidation of B and precipitation of microcrystalline α-Fe particles were observed on both sides of activated ribbons,B and Zr were oxidized selectively in subsurface layer.On both sides of ribbons,a porous surface structure formed. The BET surface area was measured to be increasing from 0.11 to 2.68 m~2/g.The principal mechanism of in situ activation has been discussed.

Key words: amorphous Fe_(80)Zr_(12)B8 alloy, surface state, catalytic activity, in situactivation