X-ray absorption spectrometer

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X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has become one of the most important methods for characterizing structures and properties of metal-containing solid-state compounds. It is widely used in areas ranging from solid-state science and magnetism to catalysis and energy storage. Typically, most XAS studies are carried out at synchrotrons, where high X-ray photon fluxes and tunable X-ray wavelengths together with custom-built X-ray optics and detectors are available. Over the last decade, due to the advent of high photon-flux microfocus X-ray tubes, the first lab-based XAS systems have become available. At Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), a range of groups in the department of chemistry and the institute of physics are regular users of synchrotron based XAS to study materials for catalysis, electrocatalysis, photo(electro)catalysis, surface science and magnetism. However, due to the administrative delays and the competitive nature of getting synchrotron beamtime, regular and timely access to XAS is not trivial. This is particularly problematic when long/term series of experiments or method development, e.g., for in situ/operando XAS spectro-electrochemistry are targeted. To enable these kinds of studies on site at the Mainz campus of JGU, this proposal aims to attract funding for the first lab-based XAS system in Mainz, and – to the best of our knowledge – in the whole of Rheinland-Pfalz and the Rhein-Main-Universities (RMU, i.e. JGU, TU Darmstadt, Goethe-University Frankfurt) region. Based on the requirements of the experimental groups, this proposal aims for the installation of a high-performance lab XAS system equipped with two X-ray sources, automatic sample exchange system for auto-sampling and individual optimized X-ray optics for collecting high-quality XANES (X-ray absorption near-edge structure) and EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine-structure) data. Based on the current and planned research at JGU, as well as the strategic developments in the areas sustainability, catalysis, and materials, we expect that the system will make an important strategic long-term contribution to chemistry, physics, material science and geo sciences in Mainz and the wider Rheinland-Pfalz and Rhein-Main academic environment.