Knowledge How do you prepare samples for FTIR analysis? 5 Essential Steps
Author avatar

Tech Team · Kintek Solution

Updated 2 months ago

How do you prepare samples for FTIR analysis? 5 Essential Steps

Preparing samples for FTIR analysis involves several crucial steps to ensure accurate and reliable data.

5 Essential Steps to Prepare Samples for FTIR Analysis

How do you prepare samples for FTIR analysis? 5 Essential Steps

1. Sample Grinding and Mixing

The sample, usually a powder, is ground with an excess of potassium bromide (KBr) in a 1:100 ratio. This grinding ensures a homogeneous mixture and helps in the formation of a transparent pellet that is suitable for infrared light transmission.

2. Pellet Formation

The mixture is then compressed using a hydraulic press in a die chamber. The die, typically with a 13 mm internal diameter but also available in other sizes like 5 mm, 10 mm, and 20 mm, is used to shape the mixture into a solid pellet. The compression process is crucial as it forms a pellet that is primarily transparent to infrared light, allowing for effective analysis.

3. Optional Support and Binding

For samples that may not compact easily, a sample support cup made of thin flexible aluminum can be used. This cup is placed inside the die before loading the sample. It supports the sample from the bottom and sides, leaving only the top surface exposed for analysis. Additionally, wax binding additives can be used to help the powder grains adhere to one another, improving the pellet's integrity.

4. Cleaning and Preparation of Tools

Before and after the process, it is essential to clean the die set, pestle, and mortar thoroughly with solvents and deionized water, then dry them in a warm oven. This ensures that no contaminants interfere with the sample's analysis.

5. Sample Mounting and Analysis

Once the pellet is formed, it is mounted in the path of the IR beam for analysis. The FTIR instrument then uses infrared light to study the properties of the sample, identifying chemical bonds and their vibrations based on the interference pattern created by the light passing through the sample.

Continue exploring, consult our experts

Elevate your FTIR analysis with precision and efficiency! Discover the power of our KINTEK SOLUTIONs for sample preparation, from expert-grade grinding and mixing kits to state-of-the-art pellet press dies. Experience hassle-free sample mounting and analysis with our specialized tools designed to enhance your research outcomes. Trust KINTEK SOLUTION for top-quality products that ensure your data speaks for itself. Explore our range today and take your research to new heights!

Related Products

lab infrared press mold

lab infrared press mold

Easily release samples from our lab infrared press mold for accurate testing. Ideal for battery, cement, ceramics, and other sample preparation research. Customizable sizes available.

Automatic Lab XRF & KBR Pellet Press 30T / 40T / 60T

Automatic Lab XRF & KBR Pellet Press 30T / 40T / 60T

Fast and easy xrf sample pellet preparation with KinTek Automatic Lab Pellet Press. Versatile and accurate results for X-ray fluorescence analysis.

No demolding lab infrared press mold

No demolding lab infrared press mold

Effortlessly test your samples with no demolding required using our lab infrared press mold. Enjoy high transmittance and customizable sizes for your convenience.

XRD sample holder / X-ray diffractometer powder slide

XRD sample holder / X-ray diffractometer powder slide

X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) is a rapid technique for identifying crystalline materials and determining their unit cell dimensions.

XRF Boric Acid lab Powder Pellet Pressing Mold

XRF Boric Acid lab Powder Pellet Pressing Mold

Get accurate results with our XRF Boric Acid lab Powder Pellet Pressing Mold. Perfect for preparing samples for X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Custom sizes available.

XRF & KBR plastic ring lab Powder Pellet Pressing Mold

XRF & KBR plastic ring lab Powder Pellet Pressing Mold

Get precise XRF samples with our plastic ring lab powder pellet pressing mold. Fast tableting speed and customizable sizes for perfect molding every time.

Electrode polishing material

Electrode polishing material

Looking for a way to polish your electrodes for electrochemical experiments? Our polishing materials are here to help! Follow our easy instructions for best results.

Electric Hydraulic Pellet Press for XRF & KBR 20T / 30T / 40T / 60T

Electric Hydraulic Pellet Press for XRF & KBR 20T / 30T / 40T / 60T

Efficiently prepare samples with the Electric Hydraulic Press. Compact and portable, it's perfect for labs and can work in a vacuum environment.

Vibration Mill

Vibration Mill

Vibration Mill for Efficient Sample Preparation, Suitable for Crushing and Grinding a Variety of Materials with Analytical Precision. Supports Dry / Wet / Cryogenic Grinding and Vacuum/Inert Gas Protection.

XRF & KBR steel ring lab Powder Pellet Pressing Mold

XRF & KBR steel ring lab Powder Pellet Pressing Mold

Produce perfect XRF samples with our steel ring lab powder pellet pressing mold. Fast tableting speed and customizable sizes for accurate molding every time.


Leave Your Message