Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence microprobe: Quantification and mapping of mixed valence state samples using micro-XANES

The synchrotron x-ray fluorescence microprobe is a valuable instrument for quantification and mapping of mixed valence state samples with high spatial resolution and elemental sensitivity. A method has been developed for quantifying the proportions of Fe2+ and Fe3+ with 100 μm spatial resolution and better than 100 ppm sensitivity using x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES). Applications of valence state mapping have been made to selenium in water-saturated sediments and manganese associated with wheat roots attacked by the take-all fungus.