Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-tf8b9 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-28T07:29:14.532Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Geological Applications of Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 July 2020

Laurence A.J. Garvie
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ85287-1404. e-mail, [email protected]
Peter R. Buseck
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ85287-1404. e-mail, [email protected] Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ85287-1604
Get access

Extract

EELS with a TEM is an established spectroscopic technique that is used to provide both qualitative and quantitative chemical information. Analysis of EELS spectral shapes provides information on the coordination, oxidation state, and spin states of atoms in minerals. Despite the availability of parallel EELS detectors for almost fifteen years, geological applications are relatively rare, mainly because of the high level of expertise required by the operator in both acquiring and analyzing the data. For example, core-loss edges can be difficult to see on the background and elemental quantification is not yet routine.

The goal of this review is to discuss the uses and interpretations of the EELS spectra of a range of minerals. We will focus on the interpretation of the electron-loss near-edge structures (ELNES) of the core-loss edges and concentrate primarily on: a) determination of the oxidation state of transition elements and other metals, and b) identification of local anion and cation coordinations. In addition, we will explore the potential of ELNES as a bonding probe.

Type
Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) and Imaging
Copyright
Copyright © Microscopy Society of America

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Garvie, L.A.J, and Buseck, P.R. (1999) Electron-beam induced solid-state reduction of Ce(IV) to Ce(III) in cerianite (Ce02) studied by electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 60, 19431947.Google Scholar
2.Garvie, L.A.J, and Buseck, P.R. (1999) Bonding in silicates: Investigation of the Si L2,3-edge by parallel electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). American Mineralogist, 84, 946964.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3.Garvie, L.A.J, and Buseck, P.R. (1998) Ferrous/ferric ratios from nanometer-sized areas in minerals. Nature, 396, 667670.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Garvie, L.A.J, and Buseck, P.R. (1996) Parallel electron energy-loss spectroscopy of boron in minerals. Reviews in Mineralogy, 33, 821843.Google Scholar
5.Garvie, L.A.J, and Craven, A.J. (1994) High resolution parallel electron energy-loss spectroscopic study of Mn L2,3 edges in inorganic manganese compounds. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 21, 191206.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6.Garvie, L.A.J., Craven, A.J. and Brydson, R. (1994) Use of electron-loss near-edge fine structure in the study of minerals. American Mineralogist, 79, 411425.Google Scholar