The applications of X-ray absorption spectroscopy in the study of nanocrystalline materials and electrochemical systems

This contribution is based on the presentation given by the authors at the second French-German summer school on electrochemistry and nanotechnology in September 2007. The objective of the article is to describe, by use of examples, the areas of solid-state chemistry and electrochemistry where X-ray absorption spectroscopy can make a special contribution. The case studies that are discussed include the investigation of the microstructure of nanomaterials, the study of electrodes and electrolytes for solid-state battery applications and the location of dopant sites in oxides. The contribution concludes with a look to future developments in the techniques and the implications for the study of problems of materials.