KBr (potassium bromide) is used to make pellets primarily for use in infrared spectroscopy. The choice of KBr is due to its transparency in the infrared region, its ability to form clear pellets with a variety of samples, and its compatibility with the mechanical requirements of pellet formation.
Transparency in Infrared Spectroscopy: KBr is highly transparent in the infrared (IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is crucial for IR spectroscopy. This transparency allows for the transmission of IR radiation through the pellet, enabling the detection of absorption bands that correspond to the molecular structure of the sample.
Formation of Clear Pellets: KBr is mixed with the sample material to form a homogeneous mixture. The clarity of the resulting KBr pellet is essential for accurate spectral readings. The mixture typically consists of 200-300 mg of KBr and 1 mg of the sample. The use of an evacuable pellet die ensures that the pellet is free from air bubbles and other imperfections that could interfere with the spectral analysis.
Compatibility with Pellet Press Mechanics: The KBr pellet press is designed to apply a high compressive force to the KBr-sample mixture, forming it into a cylindrical pellet with flat ends. The mechanical advantage of the press, which can reach up to 50 to 1, allows for the application of sufficient force to create firm pellets from powdered materials without the need for additional binders. The dies used in the press are not fastened down, allowing for quick reloading and efficient production of pellets.
Advantages Over Other Techniques: KBr pellet formation offers advantages over newer techniques such as Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy. One key advantage is the ability to adjust the pathlength of the compound of interest, which can provide more detailed information about the sample's molecular structure.
In summary, KBr is used to make pellets for infrared spectroscopy because it is transparent in the IR region, forms clear and homogeneous pellets with a variety of samples, and is compatible with the mechanical processes required for pellet formation. These characteristics make KBr an ideal material for this analytical technique.
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