Speaker
Description
The ASTRA (Absorption Spectroscopy beamline for Tender energy Range and Above) beamline at SOLARIS is specifically designed for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and related techniques, covering photon energies from 1 keV to 15 keV. This range encompasses the K absorption edges of elements from magnesium (Mg) to selenium (Se), as well as the L and M edges of numerous heavier elements, thereby facilitating comprehensive studies across a broad spectrum of materials.
The main advantage of the XAS that it is non-destructive, element-specific technique that provides detailed information on the local electronic and geometric structures of materials. It is applicable to both crystalline and amorphous substances, including solids, liquids, and gases, and can be performed under in situ or operando conditions. At ASTRA, XAS spectra can be recorded in both transmission and fluorescence modes, allowing for flexible experimental setups tailored to specific research needs.
In the realm of energy research, ASTRA's capabilities are pivotal for investigating the structural dynamics of materials under operational conditions. For instance, the beamline has been utilized for operando studies of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries [1], anode materials for Na-ion batteries [2] enabling real-time observation of electrochemical processes and contributing to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly energy storage systems. Additionally, ASTRA facilitates in situ investigations of electrocatalytic reactions on metals such as platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu), providing insights into catalytic mechanisms that are essential for advancing energy conversion technologies.
References
[1] D. Zalka et al., “Improving lithium-sulfur battery performance using a polysaccharide binder derived from red algae,” Commun. Mater., vol. 6, no. 1, p. 17, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.1038/s43246-025-00734-1.
[2] J. Płotek et al., “Sb/Sb4O5Cl2/C composite as a stable anode for sodium-ion batteries,” Energy Storage Mater., vol. 72, p. 103780, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.ensm.2024.103780.
