Best of the Week: X-Ray Spectroscopic Analysis, Educating Students on Spectroscopy

This week, we examined the growing impact of X-ray spectroscopy and diffractometric techniques across research and industry, dove into how optical photothermal infrared, or O-PTIR, spectroscopy is advancing microplastics research, and published a “Pathways in Spectroscopy” episode that explored a new strategy for teaching students spectroscopy.

This is the Best of the Week.

First, a new review highlighted advances in X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy-dispersive inelastic X-ray scattering (EDIXS) published between 2022 and 2026. These methods are helping scientists tackle challenges in food safety, environmental monitoring, forensic investigations, cultural heritage preservation, battery development, planetary science, and materials characterization.¹ The review also highlights important instrumentation trends, including portable XRF systems, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted data analysis, laboratory micro-XRF, and more capable benchtop instruments, demonstrating how X-ray techniques continue to become more versatile and accessible.¹

Next, O-PTIR spectroscopy is advancing microplastics research in several meaningful ways. For example, O-PTIR enables researchers to detect and identify microplastic particles in biological tissues with submicron spatial resolution while simultaneously collecting IR and Raman data.² Studies involving tonsillar and periprosthetic tissues demonstrate how O-PTIR can map PTFE and polyethylene particles directly within tissue.² This provides new opportunities to better understand the distribution and potential health effects of microplastics.

We also featured an interview this week with Mary Kate Donais of St. Anselm College, who shared how her experience in government, industry, and academia has influenced her approach to teaching spectroscopy. She emphasized practical, question-driven problem solving, encouraging students to choose analytical methods based on the level of accuracy and precision required for each scientific question.³

Finally, we preview the 2026 Gordon Research Seminar on Vibrational Spectroscopy. Taking place August 1st and 2nd at Southern New Hampshire University, the seminar will bring together graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scientists for presentations, mentoring, and discussions on emerging advances in vibrational spectroscopy.⁴

Thanks for watching. Stay tuned to Spectroscopy for more of the latest news and developments in analytical science.

References

1. Workman, Jr., J.; Wetzel, W. X-Ray Spectroscopy Analysis: Techniques and Applications Across Science and Industry. Spectroscopy. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/x-ray-spectroscopy-analysis-techniques-and-applications-across-science-and-industry (accessed July 9, 2026).
2. Yan, T.; Dillon, E.; Isabelle, M. Submicron IR Detects and Localizes Microplastics in Biological Samples. Spectroscopy 2026, ASAP. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/submicron-ir-detects-and-localizes-microplastics-in-biological-samples (accessed July 9, 2026).
3. Donais, M. K.; Wetzel, W. Educating Students on Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/educating-students-on-spectroscopy (accessed July 9, 2026).
4. Wetzel, W. Previewing the Upcoming 2026 Vibrational Spectroscopy Seminar. Spectroscopy. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/previewing-the-upcoming-2026-vibrational-spectroscopy-seminar (accessed July 9, 2026).