Open AccessTrace‐element XAFS sensitivity: a stress test for a new XRF multi‐detector
Author(s) -
Carlomagno Ilaria,
Antonelli Matias,
Aquilanti Giuliana,
Bellutti Pierluigi,
Bertuccio Giuseppe,
Borghi Giacomo,
Cautero Giuseppe,
Cirrincione Daniela,
de Giudici Giovanni,
Ficorella Francesco,
Gandola Massimo,
Giuressi Dario,
Medas Daniela,
Mele Filippo,
Menk Ralf H.,
Olivi Luca,
Orzan Giulio,
Picciotto Antonino,
Podda Francesca,
Rachevski Alexandre,
Rashevskaya Irina,
Stebel Luigi,
Vacchi Andrea,
Zampa Gianluigi,
Zampa Nicola,
Zorzi Nicola,
Meneghini Carlo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of synchrotron radiation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.172
H-Index - 99
ISSN - 1600-5775
DOI - 10.1107/s1600577521008857
Subject(s) - genetic algorithm , x ray absorption fine structure , trace element , detector , spectroscopy , chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , physics , environmental chemistry , optics , ecology , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , biology
X‐ray absorption fine‐structure (XAFS) spectroscopy can assess the chemical speciation of the elements providing their coordination and oxidation state, information generally hidden to other techniques. In the case of trace elements, achieving a good quality XAFS signal poses several challenges, as it requires high photon flux, counting statistics and detector linearity. Here, a new multi‐element X‐ray fluorescence detector is presented, specifically designed to probe the chemical speciation of trace 3 d elements down to the p.p.m. range. The potentialities of the detector are presented through a case study: the speciation of ultra‐diluted elements (Fe, Mn and Cr) in geological rocks from a calcareous formation related to the dispersal processes from Ontong (Java) volcanism (mid‐Cretaceous). Trace‐elements speciation is crucial in evaluating the impact of geogenic and anthropogenic harmful metals on the environment, and to evaluate the risks to human health and ecosystems. These results show that the new detector is suitable for collecting spectra of 3 d elements in trace amounts in a calcareous matrix. The data quality is high enough that quantitative data analysis could be performed to determine their chemical speciation.