Applications of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

Material science/Nanomaterials

Trace light elements such as Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), and Oxygen (O) in samples, including rusty containers.
Study the elemental composition of material contamination.
Probe interactions between materials and adsorbents or lubricants.
Investigate the electronic properties and chemical species of impurities in samples.
Explore segregation and the influence of substrates on alloying behaviour and electronic structure.

Nanomaterials

Probe the structure-function relationship of nanostructures used in sensors, high-density visual displays, and memory storage devices under environmental control (e.g., temperature, magnetic field).

Catalysts

Analyse the elemental composition of individual car exhaust bimetallic/component clusters.
Study catalyst structures and their interactions with chemical reagents under various environmental conditions, such as three-way catalysts and fuel cells.

Environmental

Study the nature and distribution of light elements in soils, rocks, and sediments.
Monitor interactions between materials and mineral surfaces.
Investigate biofilms and their ability to modify surface chemical environments.

Pharmaceuticals

Investigate interfaces between organic and inorganic materials in pills.
Provide comprehensive descriptions of surface structures, particularly the orientation and deformation of adsorbed molecules.

Energy

Study the electronic properties of transition metals used in solar cell applications.
Probe the electronic properties of lithium-based batteries.
Characterise nuclear waste materials.
Investigate doping interactions in electrolyte materials for solid oxide fuel cell applications.

Spectroscopy case studies

Understanding lubricant oil additives

Researchers from the University of Leeds, Infineum, and Diamond Light Source have developed a continuous-flow liquid-jet cell for operando X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), enabling real-time tracking of CaCO₃ formation in lubricant additives. This tool offers new insights into CaCO₃ polymorph behaviour under industrial conditions, supporting better additive performance and sustainability.

Understanding bi-metallic catalysts

Johnson Matthey, the University of Reading, and Diamond Light Source used in situ NAP-XPS to study PdPt catalysts for methane conversion—advancing cleaner natural gas engine technologies.

Understanding ZnO to enhance its functionality

Johnson Matthey, UCL, and Diamond Light Source used in situ EXAFS and XRD to reveal how ZnO defects evolve during synthesis—advancing its industrial applications and multifunctional performance.

The impact of biostimulants on the growth of selenium-enriched wheat

Researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona used spectroscopy techniques at Diamond Light Source to study how biostimulants reduce selenium toxicity in wheat—supporting healthier, nutrient-rich crops.

The environmental impact of the Mount Polley mine disaster

A UK–Canada research team used X-ray absorption spectroscopy at Diamond Light Source to study vanadium speciation following the Mount Polley mine tailings dam failure—revealing natural attenuation processes in affected ecosystems.

The effects of using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as nanoparticles in sun care products

Pan Rajdhevee Group, SLRI, used XRF and XANES at Diamond Light Source to study nanoparticle penetration from sunscreen into skin—revealing safe accumulation in upper epidermal layers only.

Nuclear fuel cladding using iron-doped Zirconium

Scientists from Imperial College and the National Nuclear Laboratory used XRF and XANES at Diamond Light Source to study iron’s role in zirconium alloy oxidation—revealing how Fe additions can reduce corrosion and hydrogen uptake in nuclear fuel cladding.

High mobility transparent conductors

Researchers from the University of Liverpool used hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (HAXPES) at Diamond Light Source to study dopant behaviour in transparent conducting oxides—revealing why molybdenum-doped In₂O₃ outperforms ITO in conductivity and cost-efficiency.

Debris particles from Fukushima

Scientists from the University of Bristol, in partnership with JAEA, used a unique combination of tomography and micro-fluorescence techniques at Diamond Light Source to analyse radioactive particles from the Fukushima site—revealing their structure, composition, and long-term environmental risks.

Plant based alternatives to meat

A Newton Fund-backed collaboration between Thailand’s SLRI and Algaeba is pioneering a plant-based heme alternative using algae-derived chlorophyll. With support from STFC and advanced XAS analysis at Diamond Light Source, the project aims to deliver healthier, meat-like food products for Thai consumers.

Turning palm oil waste into biofuel

A collaboration between the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and Diamond Light Source, backed by the Newton fund, has revealed the structure of a novel bentonite-based catalyst for converting palm oil waste into sustainable biofuels. Using in situ XAS and DFT modelling, the team uncovered key insights into catalyst stability and performance.

Novel materials for renewable energy storage technologies

A study led by Dr. Rosa Arrigo at Diamond Light Source explores how Fe-based catalysts on doped graphite surfaces can convert CO₂ into valuable chemicals like acetic and formic acid. Using synchrotron XAS and gas chromatography, the team reveals how surface chemistry influences reaction selectivity and efficiency.

BASF - World-first-in-catalysis-research

In a pioneering study, researchers from BASF, UCL, and Diamond Light Source used chemical tomography to visualise the structure and distribution of active species in NanoSelect™ catalysts. This breakthrough enables deeper understanding of catalyst performance under realistic liquid-phase conditions.

Rothamsted - mapping wheat

Elemental mapping of wheat grain using synchrotron-based X-ray techniques reveals how mineral distribution and complexation in wheat varieties can improve nutritional value and combat global deficiencies in iron and zinc.

Related techniques

X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)

X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF)

Scanning-X-ray-Microscopy (SXM)

Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

Angle Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy (ARPES)

Applications of XPS