The
conversion of small molecules (H2, CO, CH4,
NH3, etc.) in energy-related systems offers enormous
potential in the conversion and storage of renewable energy. X-ray
absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) is indispensable in
probing the geometric and electronic microenvironments of catalysts,
providing the necessary assistance to reveal reaction mechanisms and
active sites at the atomic level. Our summary highlights the recent
advancements in utilizing XAFS in the photocatalytic conversion of
small molecules, including but not limited to water splitting of H2 production, CO2 reduction, and N2 fixation.
Furthermore, we discuss future prospects for the development of XAFS-based
combined techniques to guide their utilization.