Exploring the spin sensitivity of Ce 2p4d HERFD XANES and XES spectra to describe the chemical state of Ce

This beamtime aims to exploit high sensitivity of emission lines stemming from Ce 2p4d electron transitions (Ce L beta and L gamma) to the spin state of Ce electrons in valence shell. This sensitivity is higher compared to a more commonly measured 2p3d emission line (Ce L alpha). Nonetheless, the application of Ce 2p4d emission lines to describe the chemical state of Ce is not common. During the beamtime, Ce L beta and L gamma XES and HERFD XANES spectra of Ce compounds with different oxidation state and coordination environment will be measured to compare the observed spectral profiles and to correlate them with the chemical structure. Additionally, pure and Pt-doped CeO2 will be thermally treated under reductive and oxidative atmospheres in a temperature-programmed mode to monitor the change of the oxidative state of Ce in situ with the selected emission lines.