Knowledge Why KBr is Used as a Reference Standard in FTIR? 5 Key Reasons Explained
Author avatar

Tech Team · Kintek Solution

Updated 1 month ago

Why KBr is Used as a Reference Standard in FTIR? 5 Key Reasons Explained

Infrared spectroscopy, particularly Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and analyze the chemical composition of various materials.

KBr, or potassium bromide, is commonly used as a reference standard in FTIR for several reasons that ensure accurate and reliable spectral measurements.

5 Key Reasons Why KBr is Used as a Reference Standard in FTIR

Why KBr is Used as a Reference Standard in FTIR? 5 Key Reasons Explained

1. Transparency to Infrared Light

KBr, like other alkali halides, is transparent in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

This property is crucial for FTIR analysis because the technique relies on the transmission of infrared light through the sample to measure its absorption characteristics.

When KBr is used to prepare a sample pellet, it ensures that the sample does not block or significantly attenuate the infrared light, which would otherwise lead to inaccurate or incomplete spectral data.

2. Formation of Transparent Pellets

The KBr pellet method involves mixing a small amount of the sample with KBr (typically about 1% by weight) and then pressing this mixture under high pressure to form a transparent pellet.

This method is effective because alkali halides, including KBr, become plastic under pressure and can form a coherent, transparent sheet.

The transparency of the pellet is essential for allowing the infrared light to pass through the sample without significant scattering or absorption, which could distort the spectral data.

3. Sample Preparation for Accurate Spectra

Proper sample preparation is critical in FTIR spectroscopy.

The use of KBr in sample preparation ensures that the sample is in a form that is conducive to obtaining clear, sharp, and high-resolution spectra.

The KBr pellet method is particularly favored because it allows for the inclusion of just the right amount of sample, preventing overloading of the sample which could lead to spectral artifacts.

4. Hydroscopic Nature and Handling Considerations

KBr is hydroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air.

This property can affect the quality of the FTIR measurements if not properly managed.

To mitigate this, sample preparation is often conducted in controlled environments such as gloveboxes or with the use of vacuum dies to prevent moisture absorption.

This careful handling ensures that the KBr remains dry and does not introduce water-related spectral features that could interfere with the analysis of the sample.

5. Facilitating Accurate and High-Quality Spectral Measurements

In summary, KBr is used as a reference standard in FTIR due to its transparency to infrared light, its ability to form transparent pellets with samples, and its role in facilitating accurate and high-quality spectral measurements.

Proper handling and preparation techniques are essential to maintain the integrity of the KBr and ensure reliable FTIR results.

Continue Exploring, Consult Our Experts

Explore the precision of your FTIR analyses with KINTEK SOLUTION's high-purity KBr reference standards.

Our transparent pellets ensure optimal infrared light transmission, delivering unparalleled spectral accuracy and clarity.

Trust in KINTEK SOLUTION for all your sample preparation needs and elevate your FTIR research to new heights.

Get started with KINTEK SOLUTION – your partner in scientific excellence!

Related Products

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.

Optical ultra-clear glass sheet for laboratory K9 / B270 / BK7

Optical ultra-clear glass sheet for laboratory K9 / B270 / BK7

Optical glass, while sharing many characteristics with other types of glass, is manufactured using specific chemicals that enhance properties crucial for optics applications.

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.

Infrared Silicon / High Resistance Silicon / Single Crystal Silicon Lens

Infrared Silicon / High Resistance Silicon / Single Crystal Silicon Lens

Silicon (Si) is widely regarded as one of the most durable mineral and optical materials for applications in the near-infrared (NIR) range, approximately 1 μm to 6 μm.

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.

XRD X-ray diffraction grinder

XRD X-ray diffraction grinder

KT-XRD180 is a miniature desktop multifunctional horizontal grinder specially developed for sample preparation of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.

Hydrogen atmosphere furnace

Hydrogen atmosphere furnace

KT-AH Hydrogen atmosphere furnace - induction gas furnace for sintering/annealing with built-in safety features, dual housing design, and energy-saving efficiency. Ideal for lab and industrial use.

Infrared transmission coating sapphire sheet / sapphire substrate / sapphire window

Infrared transmission coating sapphire sheet / sapphire substrate / sapphire window

Crafted from sapphire, the substrate boasts unparalleled chemical, optical, and physical properties. Its remarkable resistance to thermal shocks, high temperatures, sand erosion, and water sets it apart.

Single and double-sided coated glass sheet/K9 quartz sheet

Single and double-sided coated glass sheet/K9 quartz sheet

K9 glass, also known as K9 crystal, is a type of optical borosilicate crown glass renowned for its exceptional optical properties.

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.

XRD sample holder / X-ray diffractometer powder slide

XRD sample holder / X-ray diffractometer powder slide

X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) is a rapid technique for identifying crystalline materials and determining their unit cell dimensions.

Alkali-free / Boro-aluminosilicate glass

Alkali-free / Boro-aluminosilicate glass

Boroaluminosilicate glass is highly resistant to thermal expansion, making it suitable for applications that require resistance to temperature changes, such as laboratory glassware and cooking utensils.

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

High temperature resistant optical quartz glass sheet

High temperature resistant optical quartz glass sheet

Discover the power of optical glass sheets for precise light manipulation in telecommunications, astronomy, and beyond. Unlock advancements in optical technology with exceptional clarity and tailored refractive properties.

CaF2 substrate / window / lens

CaF2 substrate / window / lens

A CaF2 window is an optical window made of crystalline calcium fluoride. These windows are versatile, environmentally stable and resistant to laser damage, and they exhibit a high, stable transmission from 200 nm to about 7 μm.


Leave Your Message