Description: X-ray absorption spectroscopy is an analytical technique that allows the study of the electronic structure of materials through the interaction of X-rays with matter. This technique is based on the absorption of X-ray radiation by the atoms of a material, which causes electrons to be excited to higher energy levels. By measuring the amount of radiation absorbed at different wavelengths, information can be obtained about the chemical composition and oxidation state of the elements present in the sample. X-ray absorption spectroscopy is particularly useful for analyzing materials in solid, liquid, and gas states and is used in various disciplines, including chemistry, physics, and materials science. Its ability to provide detailed information about the electronic structure and atomic arrangement of elements makes it a valuable tool in scientific research and industrial applications.
History: X-ray absorption spectroscopy began to develop in the 1930s when X-rays were first used to study the atomic structure of materials. Significant advancements in the technique were made in the 1950s with the introduction of more sensitive detectors and improved X-ray sources. Over the decades, X-ray absorption spectroscopy has evolved, incorporating techniques such as high-energy X-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant X-ray absorption spectroscopy, which have broadened its applicability in various research fields.
Uses: X-ray absorption spectroscopy is used in a variety of applications, including material characterization, catalyst analysis, semiconductor research, and structural biology. It is also essential in studying materials under extreme conditions, such as high pressures and temperatures, and in investigating chemical and physical processes at the atomic level.
Examples: An example of the use of X-ray absorption spectroscopy is the analysis of the structure of precious metal nanoparticles, where the valence and coordination of atoms can be determined. Another example is its application in the research of superconducting materials, where the interaction between electrons and the crystal structure is studied to better understand their electrical properties.
