Knowledge What are the 4 Key Disadvantages of KBr FTIR?
Author avatar

Tech Team · Kintek Solution

Updated 2 months ago

What are the 4 Key Disadvantages of KBr FTIR?

KBr FTIR, or potassium bromide Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, is a powerful analytical tool. However, it comes with its own set of challenges. These disadvantages primarily revolve around sample preparation and the inherent properties of KBr itself.

What are the 4 Key Disadvantages of KBr FTIR?

What are the 4 Key Disadvantages of KBr FTIR?

1. Hygroscopic Nature of KBr

KBr is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the environment. This can lead to issues in FTIR measurements if the KBr pellets are not prepared in a controlled, moisture-free environment.

The absorbed water can interfere with the FTIR spectra, introducing additional peaks that can obscure or complicate the interpretation of the sample's spectral features.

This necessitates careful handling and storage of KBr, often requiring preparation in a dry environment or a glovebox, which adds complexity and cost to the sample preparation process.

2. Complexity and Sensitivity of Sample Preparation

Preparing KBr pellets for FTIR analysis is a delicate process that requires precise control over several variables.

These include the grinding of the KBr mixture, the drying of the sample, the ratio of sample to KBr, the thickness of the pellet, and the tightness of the press bolts.

Any deviation from optimal conditions can result in cloudy disks or poor-quality spectra. For instance, insufficient grinding can lead to uneven distribution of the sample within the pellet.

A high sample-to-KBr ratio can cause the pellet to be too dense, blocking the transmission of infrared light. These issues can degrade the quality of the FTIR spectra, making it difficult to obtain accurate and reliable data.

3. Potential for Spectral Artifacts

Improper handling of KBr pellets or exposure to unfavorable environmental conditions can lead to spectral artifacts in the FTIR spectra.

These artifacts can arise from factors such as the presence of moisture in the KBr, contamination from impurities in the KBr or the sample, or physical imperfections in the pellet.

Such artifacts can distort the true spectral profile of the sample, leading to misinterpretations or inaccurate conclusions about the sample's composition or structure.

4. Summary of Disadvantages

In summary, while KBr FTIR is a valuable analytical technique, it is not without its challenges.

The hygroscopic nature of KBr, the intricate and sensitive sample preparation process, and the potential for spectral artifacts all contribute to the complexities and limitations of this method.

Careful attention to detail and strict control over the preparation and handling of KBr pellets are essential to mitigate these disadvantages and ensure the reliability of FTIR measurements.

Continue exploring, consult our experts

Discover the seamless solution to the complexities of KBr FTIR with KINTEK SOLUTION's advanced FTIR accessories and reagents.

Our hygroscopic-resistant products, optimized sample preparation kits, and anti-contamination materials eliminate spectral artifacts and enhance your FTIR measurements' accuracy.

Elevate your analytical capabilities with KINTEK SOLUTION's precision-engineered solutions today!

Related Products

barium fluoride (BaF2) substrate / window

barium fluoride (BaF2) substrate / window

BaF2 is the fastest scintillator, sought-after for its exceptional properties. Its windows and plates are valuable for VUV and infrared spectroscopy.

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.

kbr pellet press 2T

kbr pellet press 2T

Introducing the KINTEK KBR Press - a handheld laboratory hydraulic press designed for entry-level users.

2-5L Rotary Evaporator for Extraction, Molecular Cooking Gastronomy and Laboratory

2-5L Rotary Evaporator for Extraction, Molecular Cooking Gastronomy and Laboratory

Efficiently remove low boiling solvents with the KT 2-5L Rotary Evaporator. Perfect for chemical labs in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and biological industries.

Potassium Fluoride (KF) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

Potassium Fluoride (KF) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

Get top-quality Potassium Fluoride (KF) materials for your lab needs at great prices. Our tailored purities, shapes, and sizes suit your unique requirements. Find sputtering targets, coating materials, and more.

Two-dimensional vibrating sieve

Two-dimensional vibrating sieve

KT-VT150 is a desktop sample processing instrument for both sieving and grinding. Grinding and sieving can be used both dry and wet. The vibration amplitude is 5mm and the vibration frequency is 3000-3600 times/min.

Hybrid Tissue Grinder

Hybrid Tissue Grinder

KT-MT20 is a versatile laboratory device used for rapid grinding or mixing of small samples, whether dry, wet, or frozen. It comes with two 50ml ball mill jars and various cell wall breaking adapters for biological applications such as DNA/RNA and protein extraction.

Liquid nitrogen cryogenic vibration ball mill

Liquid nitrogen cryogenic vibration ball mill

Kt-VBM100 is a laboratory desktop high-performance vibrating ball mill and sieving dual-purpose small and lightweight instrument. The vibrating platform with a vibration frequency of 36,000 times/min provides energy.

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.

High temperature debinding and pre sintering furnace

High temperature debinding and pre sintering furnace

KT-MD High temperature debinding and pre-sintering furnace for ceramic materials with various molding processes. Ideal for electronic components such as MLCC and NFC.

1400℃ Controlled atmosphere furnace

1400℃ Controlled atmosphere furnace

Achieve precise heat treatment with KT-14A controlled atmosphere furnace. Vacuum sealed with a smart controller, it's ideal for lab and industrial use up to 1400℃.

MgF2 magnesium fluoride crystal substrate / window

MgF2 magnesium fluoride crystal substrate / window

Magnesium fluoride (MgF2) is a tetragonal crystal that exhibits anisotropy, making it imperative to treat it as a single crystal when engaging in precision imaging and signal transmission.

Hybrid High Energy Vibratory Ball Mill

Hybrid High Energy Vibratory Ball Mill

KT-BM400 is used for rapid grinding or mixing of dry, wet and frozen small amount of samples in the laboratory. It can be configured with two 50ml ball mill jars

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.

Dry three-dimensional vibrating sieve

Dry three-dimensional vibrating sieve

The KT-V200 product focuses on solving common sieving tasks in the laboratory. It is suitable for sieving 20g-3kg dry samples.


Leave Your Message