This work describes various combinations of cleaning methods involved in the preparation of Ni-5% W substrates for the deposition of buffer layers using water-based solvents. The substrate has been studied for its surface properties using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The contaminants in the substrates have been quantified and the appropriate cleaning method was chosen in terms of contaminants level and showing good surface crystallinity to further consider them for depositing chemical solution-based buffer layers for Y₁Ba₂Cu₃Oy (YBCO) coated conductors.
Keywords: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; cleaning of Ni-5% W substrate; depth profile studies; thin films and coatings.