Oxidation state and electronic structure
transmission or fluorescence XAS
Material Analysis · Structure & Spectroscopy
X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy (XAFS/XANES/EXAFS)
Characterise oxidation state and electronic structure, coordination number and neighbour identity, and bond distances and local disorder using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£90 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 15 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Diamond Light Source B18 Core XAS Beamline
- Typical outputs
- Normalised XANES and EXAFSReference comparison or linear-combination fitFourier transform and fitted local-structure parametersProcessed spectra
Why this service
What XAFS/XANES/EXAFS can help you understand
X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy is selected when the project needs defensible information on oxidation state and electronic structure, coordination number and neighbour identity, or bond…
Coordination number and neighbour identity
XANES mapping
Bond distances and local disorder
in-situ/operando or quick-XAFS
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Transmission or fluorescence XAS
oxidation state and electronic structure
- Best used when
- oxidation state and electronic structure
- Typical result
- Normalised XANES and EXAFS
- Preparation note
- Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.
XANES mapping
coordination number and neighbour identity
- Best used when
- coordination number and neighbour identity
- Typical result
- Reference comparison or linear-combination fit
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
In-situ/operando or quick-XAFS
bond distances and local disorder
- Best used when
- bond distances and local disorder
- Typical result
- Fourier transform and fitted local-structure parameters
- Preparation note
- Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Normalised XANES and EXAFS reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Reference comparison or linear-combination fit supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Fourier transform and fitted local-structure parameters provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed spectra included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Powder / particles | Provide a dry, homogeneous and clearly labelled sample in a sealed container. | Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review. |
| Film / coating | Provide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked. | State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted. |
| Liquid / solution | Provide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent. | Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement. |
| Biological / soft material | Provide fixed, preserved or otherwise stabilised material in the agreed container and medium. | Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy?
Provide powder / particles, film / coating, liquid / solution, biological / soft material as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For oxidation state and electronic structure, start with transmission or fluorescence XAS; add XANES mapping when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 15 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Beamtime, self-absorption, thickness, and concentration affect data quality. EXAFS fits require constrained models and may not distinguish similar neighbouring elements.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope XAFS/XANES/EXAFS correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth