TheMEX2 beamlineis a bend magnet source X-ray absorption spectroscopy beamline covering the energy range of 1.7 to 3.3 keV, specifically targeting the elements phosphorous, sulfur, chlorine, and silicon. A design goal of MEX2 is to provide a large (3 mm V x 5 mm H), collimated (i.e. not focussed) homogeneous, low-flux density beam suitable for analysis of homogeneous, beam-sensitive samples.
MEX2 offers simultaneous drain current and fluorescence-mode analysis under high vacuum (1E-5) for solid samples or fluorescence-mode for liquid samples under a helium atmosphere. For solids, powder samples are thinly spread on carbon tape already adhered to the sample holder, allowing up to 30 samples to be mounted onto one holder. This loading technique is especially efficient for environmental scientists measuring soils.
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MEX2 User cabin
An example of work conducted at the MEX2 beamline by CSIRO scientists: This study demonstrated that Fe(II)-catalyzed recrystallization significantly improves phosphorus (P) extractability by redistributing it within the mineral structure and onto the mineral surface or into the aqueous solution. The findings have important implications for developing sustainable methods for phosphorus extraction in mining and for managing phosphorus behavior in natural environments.
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Credit: Niloofar Karimian, CSIRO
Link to this study: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.4c03574
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