Industrial Applications of X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)

Over the last 30 years the analysis of X-ray absorption spectroscopy data has provided insight into scientific problems across a variety of disciplines from physics, chemistry and biology through to materials science, environmental and geological science. Key applications include:

Material science/Nanomaterials

Probing structure-function relationships and interactions
Analysing material composition
Studying samples under realistic pressure and temperature conditions
Designing and characterising novel materials
Investigating failure mechanisms
Optimising processing conditions to enhance microstructure and performance
Bio-materials & Biology

Designing new drug therapies

Examining the structure of material components and biochemical processes
Investigating chemical changes related to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Studying interactions between implants and surrounding tissues
Chemistry & Catalysis

Analysing catalyst poisoning and activation under extreme conditions

This includes observing the impact of high temperature and pressure.

Characterising homogeneous catalysts used in fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Understanding the structure and interactions of chemical reagents under environmental conditions
Energy storage

Monitoring structural and electronic changes in electro-catalysts during operation

Investigating surface structure and ordering in thin films and coatings (e.g., polymer photovoltaics)
Studying anode-cathode and electrode-electrolyte interfaces during oxidation and reduction

Environmental

Analysing processes for the disposal of toxic materials
Tracking pollutant pathways in the natural environment
Studying metal speciation of toxic materials
Characterising the structure and electronics of radioactive materials

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 Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF)

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

Scanning-X-ray-Microscopy (SXM)

Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

Angle Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy (ARPES)

Applications of XAS