Applications of synchrotron-based X-ray techniques in environmental science

Abstract

Synchrotron-based X-ray techniques have been widely applied to the fields of environmental science due to their element-specific and nondestructive properties and unique spectral and spatial resolution advantages. The techniques are capable of in situ investigating chemical speciation, microstructure and mapping of elements in question at the molecular or nanometer scale, and thus provide direct evidence for reaction mechanisms for various environmental processes. In this contribution, the applications of three types of the techniques commonly used in the fields of environmental research are reviewed, namely X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). In particular, the recent advances of the techniques in China are elaborated, and a selection of the applied examples are provided in the field of environmental science. Finally, the perspectives of synchrotron-based X-ray techniques are discussed. With their great progress and wide application, the techniques have revolutionized our understanding of significant geo- and bio-chemical processes. It is anticipatable that synchrotron-based X-ray techniques will continue to play a significant role in the fields and significant advances will be obtained in decades ahead.