Empyrean XAS for Integrated X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Empyrean now completely incorporates X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS).

Empyrean XAS enhances the Empyrean platform's X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray scattering, and imaging methods by including laboratory-based XANES and EXAFS measurements. Empyrean integrates long-range structure, nanoscale organization, and local chemical environments by the use of various structural approaches on a single instrument.

This configuration delivers various structural viewpoints in one platform. 

Image Credit: Malvern Panalytical

Overview

From Diffraction to Spectroscopy, Without Switching Platforms

Image Credit: Malvern Panalytical

Empyrean has always been designed as a versatile X-ray platform. With integrated X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), more researchers can now employ a single device to explore materials across numerous structural length scales.

With Empyrean XAS, users can:

• Use diffraction to ascertain the long-range crystal structure
• Examine nanoscale organization using scattering methods
• Acquire structural imaging data
• Investigate local chemical environments employing XAS technology

Measurements can be made under uniform experimental settings since all methods are carried out on the same platform, which enhances dataset comparability.

Improved material comprehension aids simpler laboratory workflows.

Understand Structure Beyond the Crystal Lattice

Image Credit: Malvern Panalytical

The local chemical environment of particular elements is revealed by XAS. XAS makes it possible to measure how X-rays are absorbed close to an element’s absorption edge.

• Measurement of interatomic distances
• Investigation of short-range order
• Identification of oxidation states
• Determination of coordination geometry

Empyrean conducts XAS measurements using a specialized transmission setup that ensures stable and reproducible energy scanning.

X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) offers insights into the oxidation state and electronic configuration near the absorption edge, whereas extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) investigates short-range atomic arrangements at elevated energies.

When integrated with diffraction and scattering methods, XAS allows researchers to connect local chemistry to nanoscale structure and long-range crystallography within a unified experimental framework.

Quantitative Insight with Confidence

Image Credit: Malvern Panalytical

Empyrean XAS generates high-quality, reproducible spectral data appropriate for both qualitative and quantitative analysis.

The system's high energy resolution facilitates detailed XANES analysis, which includes pre-edge features that are sensitive to oxidation states and coordination environments.

At elevated energies, the system offers an extensive k-range that is ideal for quantitative EXAFS analysis, allowing for the determination of structural parameters such as coordination numbers and interatomic distances.

Measurements are conducted in transmission geometry, ensuring a reliable and reproducible method for quantitative structural interpretation across a diverse array of materials.

Broad Elemental and Energy Coverage

Image Credit: Malvern Panalytical

Empyrean XAS facilitates measurements over a broad range of the periodic table, allowing for the exploration of both:

• K-edges of mid-Z elements, including Ti, Fe, Ni, and Mo
• L-edges of heavier elements, such as Ba and Ce

The accessible energy range is from 4 to >20 keV.

This feature facilitates the analysis of materials related to energy storage, catalysis, functional materials, and environmental systems.

Conduct measurements of various absorption edges in a single experiment to efficiently characterize complex materials that comprise multiple elements.

Multi-Edge Capability for Complex Materials

Image Credit: Malvern Panalytical

Numerous advanced materials depend on the interactions among various elements. Using Empyrean XAS, it is possible to measure several absorption edges in a single experiment.

Facilitate the efficient analysis of intricate materials such as:

• Functional oxides
• Multi-element alloys
• Multi-component catalysts
• Battery electrodes

By sequentially capturing multiple edges without repeated instrument reconfiguration, researchers can more efficiently assess relationships between elements.

The outcome is accelerated experimentation and more extensive datasets.

Integrated Within the Empyrean Platform

PreFIX. Image Credit: Malvern Panalytical

Empyrean XAS is an integral component of the larger Empyrean multipurpose platform.

The PreFIX concept facilitates the rapid and reproducible exchange of measurement configurations. This capability allows for seamless transitions between diffraction, scattering, imaging, and spectroscopy, eliminating the need for intricate realignment processes.

Such modularity permits the integration of complementary techniques within a unified workflow, thereby enhancing studies that connect long-range structural data with localized chemical insights.

Enjoy easier sample management and enhanced reproducibility in experiments within a single instrument.

Built for Real Experimental Workflows

Image Credit: Malvern Panalytical

Empyrean XAS is backed by comprehensive software that assists users throughout the entire measurement process, from initial setup to final interpretation.

Key workflow capabilities include:

• Automated data acquisition
• Scan alignment and normalization
• Detector correction and background subtraction
• Pre-edge and post-edge fitting
• Spectral processing and data curation

These tools cater to both novice users and seasoned researchers, facilitating efficient and dependable data processing with little manual effort.

By optimizing the workflow, the system shortens the duration from measurement to interpretation.

Complement Synchrotrons, On User’s Own Schedule

Image Credit: Malvern Panalytical

Synchrotron facilities are crucial for conducting specialized measurements; however, their limited availability may hinder routine characterization and method development.

Empyrean XAS offers laboratory-based access to high-quality XANES and EXAFS measurements, facilitating:

• Routine material evaluation
• Method enhancement
• Preliminary research
• Preparation for pre-synchrotron experiments

Comparisons with synchrotron measurements reveal a high level of agreement in spectral characteristics, thereby endorsing the dependability of laboratory-based analyses.

Accelerate the experimental processes through more adaptable research planning.

Applications Across Advanced Materials Research

Energy Storage

Examine the alterations in oxidation states and the evolution of local structures throughout the charging and discharging cycles of batteries.

Observe redox processes and keep track of structural modifications in electrode materials.

Catalysis

Examine the active sites, oxidation states, and reaction pathways present in heterogeneous catalysts.

Comprehend the relationships between structure and performance in catalytic systems.

Advanced Materials

Define short-range order, identify defects, and analyze the electronic structure in functional materials.

Examine nanoscale phenomena that affect mechanical, electronic, or optical characteristics.

Environmental and Geological Science

Examine trace elements and the chemical changes occurring in intricate materials.

Investigate speciation and transformation processes pertinent to environmental systems.

Remote Monitoring

Smart Manager: Unleash the Potential of Data

Until now, instrument data has too often been kept in site-specific servers, spreadsheets, or manual records. Users can fully utilize the Empyrean by linking it to the Smart Manager and continuously evaluating instrument data in the cloud.

Specification

Source: Malvern Panalytical