KBr is suitable for IR sample preparation for several reasons:
1. Optical transparency: KBr is optically transparent in the fingerprint region of IR spectroscopy. This means that it allows infrared radiation to pass through it without significant absorption or scattering. As a result, when a sample is mixed with KBr and compressed into a pellet, the pellet is mostly transparent to infrared light. This transparency is crucial for obtaining clear and accurate IR spectra.
2. Compatibility with IR spectroscopy: KBr has a refractive index that is well-matched to the refractive index of the infrared beam used in spectroscopy. This ensures that there is minimal reflection or refraction of the infrared light at the sample-KBr interface, allowing for accurate measurements of the sample.
3. Dilution of sample: In order to study the molecular structure of a powder sample using IR spectroscopy, the sample needs to be diluted in a transparent material. KBr serves as an ideal diluent because it is chemically inert and does not interfere with the sample's infrared spectrum. By mixing a small amount of the sample with a larger amount of KBr, a dilute quantity of the sample is incorporated into the pellet, allowing for detection within the range of the FTIR instrument.
4. Pellet formation: KBr can be easily pressed into a solid pellet using a hydraulic press. The uniform force applied during pressing ensures that the resulting pellet is of consistent thickness and quality. This facilitates reproducible and accurate measurements during IR spectroscopy.
5. Sample concentration control: The concentration of the sample in KBr can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of sample to KBr. It is recommended to have a sample concentration in the range of 0.2 to 1 percent. Higher concentrations can lead to difficulties in obtaining clear pellets and result in noisy spectra.
Overall, KBr is a suitable material for IR sample preparation due to its optical transparency, compatibility with IR spectroscopy, ability to dilute the sample, ease of pellet formation, and control over sample concentration. These properties make KBr an essential component in obtaining reliable and informative IR spectra.
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