XPS Study of hydroxylated oxide layer formation on pure iron and their acid–base properties

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to study the hydroxylated oxide layer formation on pure iron and their acid‐base properties. Eighteen samples prepared ex situ were examined. A model of hydroxylated oxide multilayer structure formation and quantification of its composition were proposed. An assumption on the formation of different hydroxyl group species was made. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and ion exchange experiments at the sample surface in solution containing K + at different values of pH were used for estimation of acid‐base properties.