X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Studies on Materials Obtained by the Sol-Gel Route

This chapter reports on the use of X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy in the characterization of materials obtained by the Sol-Gel method. Firstly, an introduction to the theoretical bases of the technique is given followed by a brief description of the most relevant data collection schemes and data analysis. Successively, a collection of recent relevant experiments is presented putting in evidence, case by case, the peculiar information retrieved thanks to this technique. These studies are classed following the kind of material or its use: materials for optics, nanoparticles, materials for catalysis and sensors, and materials for batteries. Eventually, a brief overview is given on the future perspectives of the technique in terms of new data collection methods and data analysis. A rich list of bibliographic references completes this contribution.