In-situ/operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Understanding the structural changes in materials during chemical processes remained a challenge for a long time, mainly because of the scarcity of suitable techniques for in-situ/operando measurements. Time resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has evolved as a suitable experimental technique to see the structural changes during a reaction as well as changes in the oxidation states of the metal cations. Several facilities have been developed at the EXAFS beamlines (BL-08 & 09) at Indus-2 SRS to carry out in-situ/operando XAS studies for various technologically important applications like growth of nanoparticles, catalytic reactions, charging-discharging of Li ion batteries etc. Using these set-ups growth of Au, Pt, Au@Pt and Cu nanoparticles has been studied. These studies give insight into the structural changes of the electrodes during battery operation and also help to understand various issues related to battery performance