X-ray absorption spectroscopy and anomalous wide angle X-ray scattering: Two basic tools in the analysis of heterogeneous catalysts

Abstract

In the past decades, our understanding of physico-chemical processes at the atomic level in nanomaterials has been significantly improved by the emergence of synchrotron radiation related techniques. In this review paper, we describe two techniques: X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) using soft and hard X-rays, and anomalous wide angle X-ray scattering (AWAXS), both of which use some of the specific properties of a synchrotron beam, in particular the wide spectral range. We focus on the numerous breakthroughs which have been achieved using these techniques in describing heterogeneous catalysts. The merits and shortcomings of each technique are discussed.