Synchrotron radiation-based core-level spectroscopy: Principles, advances, and multidisciplinary applications

<p indent="0mm">This paper provides a systematic review of the fundamental concepts of core-level spectroscopy and its typical applications, with a particular focus on the technical characteristics and practical applications of near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS), soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS), and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS). Synchrotron-based core-level spectroscopy, widely recognized as an efficient and direct approach for characterizing the electronic structure of materials, has driven significant advancements in fields such as electrochemistry, catalysis, energy storage devices, and materials science. Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in synchrotron light sources and experimental methodologies are expected to enable more detailed studies of complex systems, including organic and biological materials. These developments are anticipated to provide crucial support for interdisciplinary research and play a transformative role in addressing critical challenges in energy, environmental science, and the design of advanced materials.