EDS vs. XRF

This video explains the differences between EDS and XRF
EDS stands for Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, also called EDX or EDXS
XRF stands for X-rays fluorescence spectroscopy.
Both EDS and XRF are useful and very close characterization techniques. In most cases, both techniques use the same detector, which detects X-rays.
Both techniques (EDS & XRF) are used for elemental analysis (qualitative and quantitively)
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The key differences between EDS and XRF are as follows:
1. In EDS, the sample is being excited by the primary electrons beam, while in XRF, the sample is being excited by the primary X-ray.
2. EDS is performed with the SEM while there is no such arrangement for XRF.
3. The irradiation area in EDS is small while there is large irradiation for XRF.
4. EDS is not always performed with certified standards where there is a certified standard for XRF
5. The working principles for both EDS are XRF same, but in the case of EDS, primary electrons are used to excite the sample, while in XRF, the primary x-rays are used to excite the sample.
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Working Principle:
Both techniques work on the sample principle. In XRF, the atoms in a sample are bombarded with X-rays, and electrons from outer shells drop down to fill the vacant position of the atoms. As a result, energy is produced, some of which are in the form of X-rays. Each element has its own unique X-ray characteristics, so the emitted X-rays from a sample can provide qualitative and quantitative compositional information about the sample. Whereas, in EDS, the sample is bombarded with electrons, and the same secondary X-rays are produced.
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Limitation of EDS & XRF:
Both EDS & XRF are not good for lighter elements (less than sodium, Na), but the former is better for light elemental composition. Without a vacuum chamber, the XRF does not even detect light elements at all. This may be due to the fact that in XRF, the primary source is X-rays which is a wave in nature while the EDS works well for lighters elements due to the fact that the primary source for excitation the sample is an electron which is a particle in nature.
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The detail difference between XRD and XRF can be found in the following link
• XRD Vs XRF
Both XRD and XRF are useful techniques to characterize any materials.
XRD stands for X-rays diffraction.
XRF stands for X-rays fluorescence.
There are many differences between XRD and XRF, but I will only provide the most important ones:
1. XRD determines the mineralogy such as rocks, minerals, oxide materials (TiO2, ZnO, NaCl, CaCO3…) while XRF Analyzes the Chemistry
2. XRD Identify phases while XRF analyzes the chemical composition
3. XRD is used for the compound analysis, while XRF is used for elemental analysis
4. XRD analyzes the compounds such as the different phases of Ca*, CaCO3, Ca(OH)2 while the XRF only reveals about the concentration of *Ca
5. Similarly, XRD reveals about he the Fe phases like Fe2O3, Fe3C, whereas the XRF provides the details information about the concentration of Fe in the sample.
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The details video in the XRF can be found in the below link
• XRF: X-ray Fluorescenc...
XRF: X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy is a useful technique in nanomaterials characterization.
This technique is basically used to analyze the film thickness and elemental composition (qualitative & quantitative)
Qualitative analysis:
It means that the XRF analysis reveals the elements that exist, such as Pb, Fe, Co, Cu, Ag, etc.
Quantitative analysis:
It means that the XRF analysis reveals the existing elements in terms of atom% or wt%.
XRF is a non-destructive technique.
A Non-destructive technique means that the sample can be analyzed again and again. Such techniques don’t destroy the sample.
As the XRF working principle is based on the emission of light so let's first discuss the fluorescence.
Fluorescence:
It is basically the emission of light (in this case, X-rays) by a substance that has absorbed X-rays. In most cases, the emitted light has a longer wavelength than the absorbed radiation.
Working Principle:
When atoms in a sample are bombarded with X-rays, inner- shell electrons knocked out, and immediately, the electrons from outer shells drop down to fill the vacant position of the atoms. As a result, energy is produced, some of which are in the form of X-rays. Each element has its own unique X-ray characteristics, so the emitted X-rays from a sample can provide qualitative and quantitative compositional information about the sample.

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