A KBr pellet is a solid sample preparation technique used primarily in infrared spectroscopy. It involves mixing a small amount of the sample with potassium bromide (KBr) and compressing the mixture under high pressure to form a transparent pellet. This method is favored due to its ability to adjust the pathlength of the compound of interest, providing a clear advantage over newer techniques like ATR.
Preparation of KBr Pellets: To prepare a KBr pellet, the sample is mixed with KBr in a specific ratio, typically ranging from 0.2 to 1 percent sample concentration. This low concentration is necessary because the pellet is thicker than a liquid film, and according to Beer's Law, lower concentrations are required to prevent complete absorption or scattering of the IR beam, which could lead to noisy spectra.
The mixture is then subjected to high pressure using a benchtop KBr Pellet Press. This press is designed to be compact and hand-operated, requiring minimal bench space and no fixed mounting. It ensures the production of uniform pellets in a polished die, which are then smoothly ejected into a receiver, minimizing the risk of contamination.
Properties and Applications: The KBr pellet method exploits the property of alkali halides, like KBr and cesium iodide (CsI), which become plastic under pressure and form transparent sheets in the infrared region. This transparency allows for the effective measurement of infrared spectra, especially in the low-wavenumber region (400 to 250 cm-1). KBr pellets are commonly used in various applications of infrared spectroscopy, providing a reliable and efficient way to analyze solid samples.
Advantages: The primary advantage of using KBr pellets is the ability to adjust the pathlength of the compound, which is crucial for obtaining accurate and clear spectra. Additionally, the method is cost-effective and does not require expensive laboratory equipment, making it accessible for various laboratory settings.
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