Polarization-Dependent EXAFS Measurements of an α-Molybdenum Trioxide Single Crystal

We observed the polarization-dependent XAFS of an α-MoO3 single crystal. Polarization-dependent XANES spectra change with the polarization direction and the 1s → 4d pre-edge peak is shown to be a good indicator for the Mo=O (double bond oxygen) bond direction. The three Mo–O bond lengths at 0.175, 0.195 and 0.223 nm can clearly be distinguished in the Fourier transforms of polarization-dependent EXAFS spectra. Curve-fitting analysis was carried out on a powder MoO3 spectrum based on the phase shift and amplitude functions derived from the polarization-dependent EXAFS spectra.