In situ infrared, Raman and X-ray spectroscopy for the mechanistic understanding of hydrogen evolution reaction

Hydrogen production by water reduction reactions has received considerable attention because hydrogen is considered a clean-energy carrier,key for a sustainable energy future.Computational methods have been widely used to study the reaction mechanism of the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER),but the calculation results need to be supported by experimental results and direct evidence to confirm the mechanistic insights.In this review,we discuss the fundamental principles of the in situ spectroscopic strategy and a theoretical model for a mechanistic understanding of the HER.In addition,we investigate recent studies by in situ Fourier transform infrared(FTIR),Raman spectroscopy,and X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS) and cover new findings that occur at the catalyst-electrolyte interface during HER.These spectroscopic strategies provide practical ways to elucidate catalyst phase,reaction intermediate,catalyst-electrolyte interface,intermediate binding energy,metal valency state,and coordination environment during HER.

Theoretical characterization of the adsorption configuration of pyrrole on Si(100)surface by x-ray spectroscopy

The possible configurations of pyrrole absorbed on a Si(100)surface have been investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)and near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure(NEXAFS)spectra.The C-1s XPS and NEXAFS spectra of these adsorption configurations have been calculated by using the density functional theory(DFT)method and fullcore hole(FCH)approximation to investigate the relationship between the adsorption configurations and the spectra.The result shows that the XPS and NEXAFS spectra are structurally dependent on the configurations of pyrrole absorbed on the Si(100)surface.Compared with the XPS,the NEXAFS spectra are relatively sensitive to the adsorption configurations and can accurately identify them.The NEXAFS decomposition spectra produced by non-equivalent carbon atoms have also been calculated and show that the spectral features vary with the diverse types of carbon atoms and their structural environments.

Investigation of the sodium storage mechanism of iron fluoride hydrate cathodes using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and mossbauer spectroscopy

Elucidation of a reaction mechanism is the most critical aspect for designing electrodes for highperformance secondary batteries.Herein,we investigate the sodium insertion/extraction into an iron fluoride hydrate(FeF_(3)·0.5H_(2)O)electrode for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs).The electrode material is prepared by employing an ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-tetrafluoroborate,which serves as a reaction medium and precursor for F^(-)ions.The crystal structure of FeF_(3)·0.5H_(2)O is observed as pyrochlore type with large open 3-D tunnels and a unit cell volume of 1129A^(3).The morphology of FeF_(3)·0.5H_(2)O is spherical shape with a mesoporous structure.The microstructure analysis reveals primary particle size of around 10 nm.The FeF_(3)·0.5H_(2)O cathode exhibits stable discharge capacities of 158,210,and 284 mA h g^(-1) in three different potential ranges of 1.5-4.5,1.2-4.5,and 1.0-4.5 V,respectively at 0.05 C rate.The specific capacities remained stable in over 50 cycles in all three potential ranges,while the rate capability was best in the potential range of 1.5-4.5 V.The electrochemical sodium storage mechanism is studied using X-ray absorption spectroscopy,indicating higher conversion at a more discharged state.Ex-situ M?ssbauer spectroscopy strengthens the results for reversible reduction/oxidation of Fe.These results will be favorable to establish high-performance cathode materials with selective voltage window for SIBs.

Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy for the Quantitative Analysis of Pyrite Thin Specimens

To explore ways to improve the accuracy of quantitative analysis of samples in the micrometer to nanometer range of magnitudes,we adopted analytical transmission electron microscopy(AEM/EDS)for qualitative and quantitative analysis of pyrite materials.Additionally,the k factor of pyrite is calculated experimentally.To develop an appropriate non-standard quantitative analysis model for pyrite materials,the experimentally calculated k factor is compared with that estimated from the non-standard quantitative analytical model of the instrument software.The experimental findings demonstrate that the EDS attached to a TEM can be employed for precise quantitative analysis of micro-and nanoscale regions of pyrite materials.Furthermore,it serves as a reference for improving the results of the EDS quantitative analysis of other sulfides.

Exploring battery material failure mechanisms through synchrotron X-ray characterization techniques

Rechargeable battery cycling performance and related safety have been persistent concerns.It is crucial to decipher the capacity fading induced by electrode material failure via a range of techniques.Among these,synchrotron-based X-ray techniques with high flux and brightness play a key role in understanding degradation mechanisms.In this comprehensive review,we summarize recent advancements in degra-dation modes and mechanisms that were revealed by synchrotron X-ray methodologies.Subsequently,an overview of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray scattering techniques is introduced for charac-terizing failure phenomena at local coordination atomic environment and long-range order crystal struc-ture scale,respectively.At last,we envision the future of exploring material failure mechanism.

Core-level spectroscopy of the photodissociation process of BrCN molecule

Fewest-switches surfacing hopping(FSSH) simulations have been performed with the high-level multi-reference electronic structure method to explore the coupled electronic and nuclear dynamics upon photoexcitation of cyanogen bromide(BrCN). The potential energy surfaces(PES) of BrCN are charted as functions of the Jacobi coordinates(R, θ). An indepth examination of the FSSH trajectories reveals the temporal dynamics of the molecule and the population changes of the lowest twelve states during BrCN's photodissociation process, which presents a rich tapestry of dynamical information.Furthermore, the carbon K-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS) is calculated with multi-reference inner-shell spectral simulations. The rotation of the CN fragment and the elongation of the C–Br bond are found to be the reason for the peak shifting in the XAS. Our findings offer a nuanced interpretation for inner-shell probe investigations of BrCN, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the photodissociation process of cyanogen halides molecules.

In Situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Studies of Nanoscale Electrocatalysts

Nanoscale electrocatalysts have exhibited promising activity and stability,improving the kinetics of numerous electrochemical reactions in renewable energy systems such as electrolyzers,fuel cells,and metal-air batteries.Due to the size effect,nano particles with extreme small size have high surface areas,complicated morphology,and various surface terminations,which make them different from their bulk phases and often undergo restructuring during the reactions.These restructured materials are hard to probe by conventional ex-situ characterizations,thus leaving the true reaction centers and/or active sites difficult to determine.Nowadays,in situ techniques,particularly X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS),have become an important tool to obtain oxidation states,electronic structure,and local bonding environments,which are critical to investigate the electrocatalysts under real reaction conditions.In this review,we go over the basic principles of XAS and highlight recent applications of in situ XAS in studies of nanoscale electrocatalysts.

Unraveling Shuttle Effect and Suppression Strategy in Lithium/Sulfur Cells by In Situ/Operando X-ray Absorption Spectroscopic Characterization

The polysulfides shuttle effect represents a great challenge in achieving high capacity and long lifespan of lithium/sulfur(Li/S)cells.A comprehensive understanding of the shuttle-related sulfur speciation and diffusion process is vital for addressing this issue.Herein,we employed in situ/operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS)to trace the migration of polysulfides across the Li/S cells by precisely monitoring the sulfur chemical speciation at the cathodic electrolyte-separator and electrolyte-anode interfaces,respectively,in a real-time condition.After we adopted a shuttle-suppressing strategy by introducing an electrocatalytic layer of twinborn bismuth sulfide/bismuth oxide nanoclusters in a carbon matrix(BSOC),we found the Li/S cell showed greatly improved sulfur utilization and longer life span.The operando S Kedge XAS results revealed that the BSOC modification was bi-functional:trapping polysulfides and catalyzing conversion of sulfur species simultaneously.We elucidated that the polysulfide trapping-and-catalyzing effect of the BSOC electrocatalytic layer resulted in an effective lithium anode protection.Our results could offer potential stratagem for designing more advanced Li/S cells.

Analysis of the injection layer of PTCDA in OLEDs using x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy

Through the investigation of the sample surface and interface of 3, 4, 9, 10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride （PTCDA）/indium-tin-oxide （ITO） thin films using atomic force microscopy, it has been found that the surface is complanate, the growth is uniform and the defects cover basically the surface of ITO. Furthermore, the number of pinholes is small. The analysis of the sample surface and interface further verifies this result by using x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. At the same time, PTCDA is found to have the ability of restraining the diffusion of chemical constituents from ITO to the hole transport layer, which is beneficial to the improvement of the performance and the useful lifetime of the organic light emitting diodes （OLEDs）.

Elemental and proximate analysis of coal by x-ray fluorescence assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Although laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS),as a fast on-line analysis technology,has great potential and competitiveness in the analysis of chemical composition and proximate analysis results of coal in thermal power plants,the measurement repeatability of LIBS needs to be further improved due to the difficulty in controlling the stability of the generated plasmas at present.In this paper,we propose a novel x-ray fluorescence(XRF) assisted LIBS method for high repeatability analysis of coal quality,which not only inherits the ability of LIBS to directly analyze organic elements such as C and H in coal,but also uses XRF to make up for the lack of stability of LIBS in determining other inorganic ash-forming elements.With the combination of elemental lines in LIBS and XRF spectra,the principal component analysis and the partial least squares are used to establish the prediction model and perform multi-elemental and proximate analysis of coal.Quantitative analysis results show that the relative standard deviation(RSD) of C is 0.15%,the RSDs of other elements are less than 4%,and the standard deviations of calorific value,ash content,sulfur content and volatile matter are 0.11 MJ kg,0.17%,0.79% and 0.41%respectively,indicating that the method has good repeatability in determination of coal quality.This work is helpful to accelerate the development of LIBS in the field of rapid measurement of coal entering the power plant and on-line monitoring of coal entering the furnace.

Local structural evolutions of CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst for methanol synthesis under operando conditions studied by in situ quick X-ray absorption spectroscopy

In situ quick X-ray absorption spectroscopy(QXAFS) at the Cu and Zn K-edge under operando conditions has been used to unravel the Cu/Zn interaction and identify possible active site of CuO/ZnO/Al_2O_3 catalyst for methanol synthesis. In this work, the catalyst, whose activity increases with the reaction temperature and pressure, was studied at calcined, reduced, and reacted conditions. TEM and EDX images for the calcined and reduced catalysts showed that copper was distributed uniformly at both conditions. TPR profile revealed two reduction peaks at 165 and 195 °C for copper species in the calcined catalyst. QXAFS results demonstrated that the calcined form consisted mainly of a mixed Cu O and Zn O, and it was progressively transformed into Cu metal particles and dispersed Zn O species as the reduction treatment. It was demonstrated that activation of the catalyst precursor occurred via a Cu^+intermediate, and the active catalyst predominantly consisted of metallic Cu and Zn O evenunder higher pressures. Structure of the active catalyst did not change with the temperature or pressure, indicating that the role of the Zn was mainly to improve Cu dispersion.This indicates the potential of QXAFS method in studying the structure evolutions of catalysts in methanol synthesis.

Transition-metal redox evolution and its effect on thermal stability of LiNixCoyMnzO_(2) based on synchrotron soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Based on the synchrotron soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments,the fundamental electronic structures of layered Li NixCoyMnzO_(2)(NCM)are investigated systematically and the data of transitionmetal(TM)L-and O K-edges spectra are collected.Distribution of Ni ions under different oxidation states is evaluated according to linear combination fit.It is found that the ratio of Ni^(4+)expands with the increase of Ni since it dominates in charge compensation during charging,and that the existence of Ni^(3+)is nearly negligible in delithiated NCM.The valence state of Co also strongly depends on Ni content,the perceptible position shift of Co L_(3)-edge absorption peak towards higher energy in Ni-rich material agrees well with the small voltage plateau at around 4.2 V.The stability of Mn is verified as no obvious spectral change with the Mn L-edge is observed.Moreover,as Ni content rises,the O 2p holes near the Femi level increases with higher oxidation state of Ni,indicating the enhanced hybridization of O 2p-TM 3 d.Delithiated NCMs with higher Ni content are prior to lose electron existing in highly hybridized Ni3 dO 2 p bands upon heating,which accounts for the pronounced O_(2)release in phase transitions and the deterioration in thermal stability.These detailed observation of the electronic structure evolution is one of the key ingredients to improving the electrochemical and thermal performance of NCM.

In-situ high-energy-resolution X-ray absorption spectroscopy for UO2 oxidation at SSRF

Based on the high-energy-resolution fluorescence spectrometer on the BL14W1 beamline at Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility,an in-situ high-energyresolution X-ray absorption spectroscopy technique,with an in-situ heating cell,was developed.The high-energyresolution fluorescence detection for X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy(HERFD-XANES) was tested in a UO_2 oxidation experiment to measure the UL_3-edge,with higher signal-to-noise ratio and higher-energy-resolution than conventional XANES.The technique has potential application for in-situ study of uranium-based materials.

X-ray absorption near the edge structure and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies on pyrite prepared by thermally sulfurizing iron films

This paper reports how pyrite films were prepared by thermal sulfurization of magnetron sputtered iron films and characterized by X-ray absorption near edge structure spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on a 4B9B beam line at the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The band gap of the pyrite agrees well with the optical band gap obtained by a spectrophotometer. The octahedral symmetry of pyrite leads to the splitting of the d orbit into t2g and eg levels. The high spin and low spin states were analysed through the difference of electron exchange interaction and the orbital crystal field. Only when the crystal field splitting is higher than 1.5 eV, the two weak peaks above the white lines can appear, and this was approved by experiments in the present work.

Photoelectric characteristics of silicon P–N junction with nanopillar texture:Analysis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Silicon nanopillars are fabricated by inductively coupled plasma （ICP） dry etching with the cesium chloride （CsCl） islands as masks originally from self-assembly. Wafers with nanopillar texture or planar surface are subjected to phosphorus （P） diffusion by liquid dopant source （POCl3） at 870 ℃ to form P-N junctions with a depth of 300 nm. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS） is used to measure the Si 2p core levels of P-N junction wafer with nanopillar texture and planar surface. With a visible light excitation, the P-N junction produces a new electric potential for photoelectric characteristic, which causes the Si 2p core level to have a energy shift compared with the spectrum without the visible light. The energy shift of the Si 2p core level is -0.27 eV for the planar P-N junction and -0.18 eV for the nanopillar one. The difference in Si 2p energy shift is due to more space lattice defects and chemical bond breaks for nanopillar compared with the planar one.

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Studies of Ti_(x)Al_(1-x)N Thin Films Prepared by RF Reactive Magnetron Sputtering

TixAl1-xN films have been prepared by RF reactive magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction results showed that TixAl1-xN thin films in this study were hexagonal wurtzite structure with the Ti content up to 0.18. X-ray photoelectron spectrocopy studies provided that the Nls core-electron spectrum of TixAl1-xN thin film brodend with increasing Ti content, and the difference of the chemical shifts for Ti2p3/2 line between TiN and TixAl1-xN th77pj in film was 0.7 eV.

A Perspective on Studying Electronic Structure of Batteries through Soft X-ray Spectroscopy

Understanding electronic structure is crucial to enhance the battery performance. Soft X-ray spectroscopy(SXS) is one of the most effective methods to provide direct probe of electronic states. Here, spectroscopic measurements of transition metal 3 d and oxygen 2 p states are simply reviewed. Then, we mainly focus on the perspective of the development direction of modern SXS techniques. Although the true power of recently developed high efficiency mapping of resonant inelastic X-ray scattering(m RIXS) has been apparent for materials and chemistry studies, great challenges remain for mRIXS spectroscopic interpretation, and the understanding of the battery materials on novel redox activities remains elusive.

In Situ/Operando(Soft) X-ray Spectroscopy Study of Beyond Lithium-ion Batteries

The lightweight,rechargeable lithium-ion battery is one of the dominant energy storage devices globally in portable electronics due to its high energy density,no memory effect,wide operating voltage,lightweight,and good charge efficiency.However,due to safety concerns,the depletion of lithium reserves,and the corresponding increase of cost,an alternative battery system becomes more and more desirable.To develop alternative battery systems with low cost and high material abundance,for example,sodium,magnesium,zinc,and calcium,it is important to understand the chemical and electronic structure of materials.Soft X-ray spectroscopy,for example,X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS),X-ray emission spectroscopy(XES),and resonant inelastic soft X-ray scattering(RIXS),is an element-specific technique with sensitivity to the local chemical environment and structural order of the element of interest.Modern soft X-ray systems enable operando experiments that can be applied to amorphous and crystalline samples,making it a powerful tool for studying the electronic and structural changes in electrode and electrolyte species.In this article,the application of in situ/operando(soft)X-ray spectroscopy in beyond lithium-ion batteries is reviewed to demonstrate how such spectroscopic characterizations could facilitate the interpretation of interfacial phenomena under in situ/operando condition and subsequent development of the beyond lithium-ion batteries.

Energy band alignment at Cu2O/ZnO heterojunctions characterized by in situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

With the increasing interest in Cu2O-based devices for photovoltaic applications,the energy band alignment at the Cu2O/ZnO heterojunction has received more and more attention.In this work,a high-quality Cu2O/ZnO heterojunction is fabricated on a c-Al2 O3 substrate by laser-molecular beam epitaxy,and the energy band alignment is determined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.The valence band of ZnO is found to be 1.97 eV below that of Cu2O.A type-II band alignment exists at the Cu2O/ZnO heterojunction with a resulting conduction band offset of 0.77 eV,which is especially favorable for enhancing the efficiency of Cu2O/ZnO solar cells.

Soft x-ray spectroscopy for probing electronic and chemical states of battery materials

The formidable challenge of developing high-performance battery system stems from the complication of battery operations, both mechanically and electronically. In the electrodes and at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces, chemical reactions take place with evolving electron states. In addition to the extensive studies of material synthesis, electrochem- ical, structural, and mechanical properties, soft x-ray spectroscopy provides unique opportunities for revealing the critical electron states in batteries. This review discusses some of the recent soft x-ray spectroscopic results on battery binder, transition-metal based positive electrodes, and the solid-electrolyte-interphase. By virtue of soft x-ray＇s sensitivity to electron states, the electronic property, the redox during electrochemical operations, and the chemical species of the interphases could be fingerprinted by soft x-ray spectroscopy. Understanding and innovating battery technologies need a multimodal approach, and soft x-ray spectroscopy is one of the incisive tools to probe the chemical and physical evolutions in batteries.