PNNL

Abstract

We describe an x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) cell that is suitable for solution-phase studies of the light elements in the series from Na+ and Ca2+. This ultra-short pathlength cell has a pathlength that can be remotely adjusted using a miniature stepper-motor drive and thereby readily provides transmission pathlengths in the range from submicron to several hundred microns. The flexibility to vary the pathlength enables acquisition of high-quality XAS spectra and also allows one to check for potential distortions in the spectra from thickness effects. The primary components are mostly commercially available optical parts. The performance of this device is demonstrated at the Cl K-edge (2.8 keV) for several different aqueous Cl- solutions. This work was supported by the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences. PNNL is operated for the Department of Energy by Battelle.