The Applications of X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy in the Study of Solid State Ionics

X-Ray absorption spectroscopy is a powerful method of determining local structures in condensed matter. This article reviews the applications of this technique in the study of solid state ionic materials. It begins with an outline of the principles and the experimental procedures followed by a brief overview of some of the recent developments. The bulk of the article is focused on a discussion of examples chosen to emphasise the kinds of problem that can be resolved using the technique. These include studies of local structure in perovskites-structured materials (BaLiF3), proton conducting ceramics (CaZrO3), oxygen ion conductors (BIMEVOX) and semiconducting gas sensors (SnO2). Each system has been selected to show various facets of the technique in terms of the experimental method and data analysis.