We are pleased to announce the upcoming RIANA webinar.

Title: Probing Matter with X-rays: Synchrotron XAS in Action

Speaker: Dr. Alexey Maximenko – Beamline Coordinator at ASTRA (SOLARIS Synchrotron) and Director’s Representative for Scientific Collaboration (on behalf of the SOLARIS Team)

Date: Thursday, 15 January 2026, 15:00 CET

Registration link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8a46401b-cbc7-4738-8d97-16822924b83b@06db37d8-fbb9-4bfe-932c-8be4e83352f0 

Abstract: This webinar presents the fundamentals and applications of synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) with a focus on modern materials research. It introduces the key principles of XAS, including synchrotron radiation, photoionization, and the distinction between XANES (X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure) and EXAFS (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure) regions. XANES is shown as a powerful tool to probe oxidation state, local coordination symmetry, and unoccupied states using case studies on catalysts, battery materials, and environmental samples. EXAFS analysis is used to extract local atomic structure and coordination information in realistic systems. The talk highlights experimental methodologies at synchrotron beamlines, detection modes, sample preparation strategies, and advanced in-situ/operando experiments, including electrochemical cells, Fischer–Tropsch catalysis, and battery tests. Complementary techniques such as Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, and online product analysis with mass spectrometry (MS) and micro–gas chromatography (μ-GC) coupled to XAS will also be presented.