CNB-12-EC-XAS4
In Situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Cell Model: EC-XAS4
In Situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Cell EC-XAS4
A modular in situ XAS cell with interchangeable gas-flow and open X-ray access back plates for gas-fed and conventional electrochemical studies.
Product Overview
The EC-XAS4 is a modular in situ XAS cell with interchangeable gas-flow and open X-ray access back plates for gas-fed and conventional electrochemical studies. The open configuration supports immersed electrodes, including porous, foil, and supported configurations, while the gas-flow back plate enables controlled reactant delivery to gas-diffusion electrodes. A wide-angle, short-path Kapton window provides efficient X-ray access and supports fluorescence and transmission XAS geometries.
Key Features
Modular Back-Plate Design
Interchangeable gas-flow and open X-ray access back plates enable flexible electrochemical configurations.
Wide-Angle, Short-Path Kapton Window
Provides broad X-ray access with a large access area, while the shortened distance to the working electrode enhances signal sensitivity and in situ monitoring performance.
Independent Gas and Liquid Pathways
In the gas-flow configuration, separate gas and electrolyte pathways enable controlled reactant delivery and independent liquid circulation.
Typical Applications
Gas-Fed Electrocatalysis
Operando XAS studies of CO₂/CO electrolysis, ORR, HOR, NRR, and related gas-fed reactions using gas-diffusion electrodes.
Conventional Electrochemical XAS
In situ and operando studies of immersed sheet-type, porous, or foil electrodes for OER, HER, liquid-phase NRR, and related reactions.
Catalyst Activation and Reconstruction
Tracking oxidation-state, coordination, phase, and structural changes under electrochemical control.
Time-Resolved XANES and EXAFS
Resolving dynamic electronic and local structural changes during electrochemical operation.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Active area | 1 cm² (10 × 10 mm); customizable |
| Chamber structure | Single-, two-, or three-chamber |
| Electrode system | Two- or three-electrode |
| Window opening angle | Up to 120° |
| Working electrode | Sheet-type electrode; customizable |
| Counter electrode | Standard Ø6.0 mm rod-type electrode; customizable |
| Reference electrode | Standard Ø3.8 mm rod-type electrode; customizable |
| X-ray window material | Kapton film; user-supplied |
| Cell body material | PEEK |
| Positioning accessory | Angular micro-adjustment stage; optional |
Instrument Compatibility
Synchrotron XAS Beamline Compatibility
Compatible with synchrotron XAS beamlines for in situ measurements. Beamline geometry, detector clearance, stage mounting, and alignment should be confirmed before use.
Potentiostat Compatibility
Compatible with commercial potentiostats for two- or three-electrode measurements. Electrode connections should be confirmed before use.
Optional Accessory
The angular micro-adjustment stage is an optional accessory supplied separately. It enables fine positioning of the EC-XAS4 and precise adjustment of the X-ray incidence angle, facilitating beam alignment with the Kapton window and working-electrode region for consistent in situ XAS measurements.
Back-Plate Selection Guide
Gas-Flow Back Plate
A gas-flow configuration for controlled reactant delivery to the backside of a gas-diffusion electrode. Recommended for gas-fed electrocatalysis, including CO₂/CO electrolysis, ORR, HOR, NRR, and related reactions. Select this back plate when direct gas supply to a GDE is required.
Open X-ray Access Back Plate
An open configuration providing unobstructed X-ray access for conventional electrochemical XAS measurements. Recommended for immersed sheet-type, porous, foil, and supported electrodes, with fluorescence or transmission detection selected according to the sample and beamline geometry. Select this back plate when backside gas delivery is not required.
Related Published Application
Time-Resolved In Situ XAS of Cu Catalyst Reconstruction
Yao et al. used fluorescence-mode, time-resolved Cu K-edge XAS at the BL11B beamline of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility and the SuperXAS beamline of the Swiss Light Source to monitor Cu catalyst reconstruction during CO₂ electroreduction. The membrane-separated flow cell circulated 0.1 M KHCO₃ through both electrode compartments and employed a carbon-paper-supported Cu working electrode. At −1.1 V versus RHE, spectra acquired with a time resolution of 1 s tracked the loss of Cu–O coordination and formation of metallic Cu–Cu bonds, with linear-combination analysis indicating 99.2% metallic Cu after 30 min.
Capabilities Relevant to the EC-XAS4
- Enables time-resolved XANES and EXAFS measurements under electrochemical control.
- Supports membrane-separated anolyte and catholyte circulation with a carbon-paper-supported working electrode.
- Tracks oxidation-state and coordination changes during catalyst activation and reconstruction.
Application Studies
Application studies using this model are currently underway.
Note: The referenced study used a membrane-separated in situ XAS flow cell with a configuration comparable to the EC-XAS4 and is included solely as a related application example.