Characterization of refractory organic substances by NEXAFS using a compact X-ray source

Abstract

Purpose: We present the characterization of environmental samples using near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra recorded with an in-house device. We want to point out the feasibility of such an easily accessed complementary technique, if not sometimes alternative to NEXAFS studies performed with synchrotron radiation, as the number of compact setups is increasing. Materials and methods: The experiments were carried out using a laser-driven plasma source. We studied heterogeneous samples like refractory organic substances to demonstrate the potential of NEXAFS spectra, achieved by such an instrument, concerning specimens of high chemical complexity. Results and discussion: From the respective resonance peaks in the spectra, the presence of certain functional groups, such as aromatic or carbonyl groups, is verified, and the elemental composition is estimated. The results of the reference samples are consistent with the literature. For the environmental samples, external influences of the extraction solvent or fertilizers can be determined from the spectra. Conclusions: This could provide the possibility to perform test experiments with samples, which are later studied in more detail with synchrotron light and might as well give an impulse on the broader spread of the application of NEXAFS spectroscopy. © 2011 The Author(s).