FTIR spectrophotometer is a type of spectroscopic instrument used to identify and quantify chemical substances by measuring their infrared spectrum. It works by illuminating a sample with infrared light, and then measuring the amount of light absorbed or reflected by the sample. The resulting infrared spectrum is unique for each substance, and can be used to identify the chemical composition of the sample.
The spectral range of an FTIR spectrophotometer typically covers the mid-infrared region, from 4000 cm-1 to 400 cm-1. This range encompasses the fundamental vibrations of most chemical bonds, making FTIR a powerful tool for analyzing the chemical composition of a wide range of samples, including liquids, solids, and gases. Within this range, FTIR spectrophotometers can detect the absorption or transmission of infrared light by various functional groups, including organic compounds, inorganic compounds, and biomolecules, allowing for the identification and quantification of chemical substances.
Some FTIR spectrophotometers can also measure near-infrared (NIR) and far-infrared (FIR) spectra, although this is less common. The NIR range extends from 4000 cm-1 to 10,000 cm-1, while the FIR range extends from 400 cm-1 to 20 cm-1. These ranges are useful for specific applications, such as the analysis of polymers, semiconductors, and other materials.
Spectral range
The spectral range is an important factor to consider when selecting an instrument for a specific application. The spectral range determines the types of samples that can be analyzed and the types of information that can be obtained from the analysis.
Uses of FTIR spectrophotometry
FTIR spectrophotometry is widely used in a variety of fields, including chemistry, biology, materials science, and environmental analysis.
-In chemistry it is used to determine the chemical composition of unknown substances, analyze chemical reactions, and identify impurities in chemical samples.
-In biology it is used to study the composition and structure of biological samples, including proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.
-In materials science, it is used to study the properties of materials, including polymers, ceramics, and semiconductors.
-In environmental analysis it is used to identify and quantify pollutants in air, water, and soil samples.
FTIR spectrophotometry offers several advantages over other spectroscopic methods, including high accuracy, versatility, and ease of use. It is non-destructive, allowing for analysis of small or delicate samples, and can be performed on solid, liquid, and gaseous samples. FTIR spectrophotometry is also highly sensitive, making it suitable for the analysis of trace levels of chemicals.While FTIR is used for infrared analysis, a UV spectrophotometer is ideal for measuring absorbance in the ultraviolet and visible spectrum.