The pressed pellet technique in IR spectroscopy is a method used to analyze the molecular structure of powder samples.
It involves mixing the sample with potassium bromide (KBr) and then compressing the mixture into a solid pellet using a hydraulic press.
This technique is commonly used in Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
5 Key Steps Explained
1. Sample Preparation
The process begins with the preparation of the sample.
A powder sample is mixed with KBr in a 1:100 ratio.
This mixture is crucial because KBr is transparent to infrared light, allowing the light to pass through the sample for analysis.
2. Compression into Pellets
The mixture is then placed in a pellet die chamber of a hydraulic press.
The press applies uniform pressure, compressing the mixture into a solid pellet.
This pellet is typically transparent to infrared light, which is essential for the spectroscopic analysis.
3. Analysis with FTIR
The prepared pellet is then analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy.
The transparent nature of the pellet allows infrared light to pass through, interacting with the sample and providing data about the molecular structure of the sample.
The small diameter of the pellets (3-10 mm) ensures that only a minimal amount of material is needed for analysis, making the technique efficient and suitable for small samples.
4. Advantages and Applications
This technique is widely used in various fields including pharmaceutical, biological, and nutritional sciences.
The pressed pellet technique not only ensures that the sample is held in the correct position for analysis but also allows for the preparation of samples with high surface finish, enhancing the accuracy of spectroscopic results.
5. Variations and Adaptations
While the primary focus here is on FTIR, the pressed pellet technique is also applicable in X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, where similar principles are used but with X-rays instead of infrared light.
The technique can be adapted by using different materials for the pellets to prevent contamination or to suit specific analytical needs.
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