Yes, KBr is used in FTIR. KBr is commonly used to prepare samples for Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy due to its transparency to infrared light and its ability to form transparent pellets under pressure.
Explanation:
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Transparency to Infrared Light: KBr is transparent in the infrared region, which is crucial for FTIR where the sample must allow infrared light to pass through for analysis. This transparency ensures that the infrared light can interact with the sample without significant absorption by the matrix material (KBr).
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KBr Pellet Method: In FTIR, samples are often prepared as KBr pellets. This method involves mixing a small amount of the sample (typically 1% by weight) with KBr powder and then compressing this mixture under high pressure using a hydraulic press. The resulting pellet is transparent and allows for the transmission of infrared light, facilitating the analysis of the sample's molecular structure.
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Sample Preparation: The use of KBr in sample preparation for FTIR is widespread because it is effective and relatively simple. The process involves grinding the sample with KBr and pressing the mixture into a pellet. This pellet is then placed in the FTIR spectrometer for analysis. The dilute nature of the sample within the KBr matrix ensures that the sample does not block the infrared light path, which could otherwise lead to unreliable results.
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Hydroscopic Nature of KBr: It is important to note that KBr is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. This property can affect the FTIR measurements if the KBr pellet absorbs too much moisture. Therefore, it is recommended to perform the grinding and pressing in a controlled environment, such as a glovebox, to minimize moisture absorption.
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Alternative Materials: While KBr is the most common material used for FTIR sample preparation, alternatives like cesium iodide (CsI) can be used, especially for measuring spectra in the low-wavenumber region (400 to 250 cm-1).
In summary, KBr is extensively used in FTIR due to its optical properties and the ease of preparing samples as transparent pellets, which are essential for accurate and reliable FTIR analysis. However, the hygroscopic nature of KBr requires careful handling and preparation to prevent interference from absorbed moisture.
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