6 -- X-ray absorption spectroscopy in high-entropy material research

TL;DR

This chapter discusses how X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) can be effectively used to analyze the local electronic and atomic structures of high-entropy materials, addressing their complex multicomponent nature.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of XAS techniques, including theoretical background, data analysis, and applications specific to high-entropy materials.

Findings

XAS offers element-specific insights into chemical states.

Advanced atomistic modeling improves structural data extraction.

XAS applications enhance understanding of high-entropy material properties.

Abstract

This chapter introduces the use of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in studying the local electronic and atomic structure of high-entropy materials. The element selectivity of XAS makes it particularly suitable to address the challenges posed by the study of multicomponent compounds. By analysing different parts of the X-ray absorption spectra for each element, one can obtain information on its chemical state from the X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and its local environment, distortions, and lattice dynamics from the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). The theoretical background underlying X-ray absorption spectra and existing data analysis procedures are briefly described, with particular emphasis on advanced atomistic modelling techniques that enable more reliable extraction of structural information. Finally, an overview of the applications of the XAS technique in studying high-entropy materials is presented.