Journal of Chromatography & Separation Techniques
Open Access

The Role of X-ray Spectroscopy in Chemical Analysis

Margarette Jhones^{* *}Correspondence: Margarette Jhones, Department of Pharmacy, University of Assiut, El Fateh, Assiut Governorate, Egypt, Email:

Author info »

About the Study

X-ray spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique and for understanding the electromagnetic catalysts under working circumstances is made possible by X-ray spectroscopy. Although electroactive species carry out the catalysis itself, other, nonelectroactive species also play a significant part in electrocatalytic events. By utilizing X-ray radiation, researchers can probe the inner structure of materials and gain valuable insights into their composition, atomic arrangement, and electronic properties. The relationship among photons from X-rays and molecules is at the core of X-ray spectroscopy. When X-rays strike a sample, they can be scattered, absorbed, or undergo a process called photoemission. In X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), the energy dependence of the absorption process provides valuable information about the elemental composition and chemical environment of the atoms within the sample. X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES), on the other hand, focuses on the emission of characteristic X-rays resulting from the relaxation of excited states in the material [1,2].

One widely used X-ray spectroscopy technique is X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), also known as Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA). XPS provides detailed information about the chemical bonding and elemental composition of a material's surface. By measuring the kinetic energy of electrons emitted during photoemission, researchers can determine the binding energies and, consequently, the chemical states of the atoms present. XPS has found extensive applications in fields such as surface science, catalysis, and nanotechnology. Another important technique is X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), which relies on the detection of characteristic X-ray emission from a sample. By exciting the atoms with X-rays, the emitted X-ray photons carry unique fingerprints of the elements present in the material. XRF is widely used in fields like environmental analysis, archaeology, and geology for the determination of elemental composition. It offers, non-destructive analysis, and the ability to analyze a wide range of sample types [3,4].

In recent years, X-ray spectroscopy has witnessed remarkable advancements, driven by innovations in X-ray sources, detectors, and data analysis methods. The advent of synchrotron radiation facilities has significantly enhanced the capabilities of X-ray spectroscopy. These powerful sources provide intense and tunable X-ray beams, allowing for high-resolution spectroscopic measurements. Synchrotron-based techniques, such as X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) and extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS), provide detailed information about the local atomic structure and chemical bonding. Pumpprobe spectroscopy and serial femtosecond crystallography are two XFEL-based methods that have completely changed and how complicated events that happen on extremely fast timeframes.

Furthermore, the integration of X-ray spectroscopy with other techniques has expanded its capabilities and applications. For example, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy combined with scanning probe microscopy allows for simultaneous chemical and topographic mapping of surfaces. X-ray absorption spectroscopy coupled with X-ray diffraction techniques provides a comprehensive understanding of the crystallographic and electronic properties of materials. Such hybrid approaches have paved the way for multidimensional characterization of complex systems [5].

Conclusion

A flexible and essential instrument in materials science and other scientific disciplines is X-ray spectroscopy. Numerous advancements and discoveries have been made as a result of its capacity to investigate the inner structure and composition of materials. X-ray spectroscopy pushes the boundaries of scientific knowledge and helps us to understand the complexities of the fundaments in spectroscopy. This evolution is made possible by continuing improvements in instruments and methodologies. Furthermore, X-ray spectroscopy has advanced thanks to the creation of X-ray Free-Electron Lasers (XFELs). Time-resolved investigations of chemical processes, ultrafast dynamics, and biomolecule structures are made possible by XFELs, which generate extremely bright and ultrafast X-ray pulses.

References

1. Jay RM, Kunnus K, Wernet P, Gaffney KJ. Capturing atom-specific electronic structural dynamics of transition-metal complexes with ultrafast soft X-ray spectroscopy. Annu Rev Phys Chem. 2022;73:187-208.

   [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

2. Otto F, Sun X, Schulz F, Sanchez‐Cano C, Feliu N, Westermeier F, et al. X‐Ray photon correlation spectroscopy towards measuring nanoparticle diameters in biological environments allowing for the In situ analysis of their bio‐nano interface. Small. 2022;18(37):2201324.

   [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

3. Mukamel S, Healion D, Zhang Y, Biggs JD. Multidimensional attosecond resonant X-ray spectroscopy of molecules: Lessons from the optical regime. Annu Rev Phys Chem. 2013;64:101-127.

   [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

4. Jain A, Schulz F, Dallari F, Markmann V, Westermeier F, Zhang Y, et al. Three-step colloidal gelation revealed by time-resolved x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. J Chem Phys. 2022;157(18):184901.

   [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

5. Dufrêne YF, Boonaert CJ, Rouxhet PG. Surface analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in study of bioadhesion and biofilms. Meth Enzymol. 1999;310:375-389.

   [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]