Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy
Overview
FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique utilized for identifying the chemical composition of a sample based on its interaction with light. In this form of spectroscopy, infrared radiation (IR) is employed to induce specific vibrational energy changes within the molecules present in the sample. These changes are linked to the dipole moments of the molecules.
At the heart of FTIR is an interferometer, a crucial component that splits the incoming light beam into two distinct paths. One path interacts with the sample, while the other serves as a reference. This technique is entirely non-destructive and relies on the interference between the sample beam and the reference beam to precisely determine the composition of the sample.
FTIR spectroscopy finds wide applications, particularly in organic synthesis, where it excels in identifying functional groups based on the unique vibrational energies exhibited by different functional groups within the sample.
Services
- Nano-FTIR
- Micro-FTIR
- FTIR
Pricing
- Regular service: Starts from $180 per sample with 5 – 7 days turnaround.
- Expedited service: Starts from $300 per sample with 2-3 days turnaround.
- Nano- and Micro-FTIR service with $800 per sample
- For a comprehensive overview of our pricing structure, please log in to the Bee Portal.
Equipment
Perkin Elmer FTIR
- With over 75 years of experience in Infrared spectroscopy, PerkinElmer bring that deep-seated experience to a new generation of infrared systems that are up to any challenge. Powerful and adaptable, wide range of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and diode array (DA) spectrometers provide accurate, reliable analytical results to meet all current analysis needs and can be expanded as the analysis goals evolve.
- Chemicals and Materials: Troubleshoot manufacturing problems; identify product contaminants; analyze fuels; gain deeper insights into the properties of novel and advanced materials.
- Pharmaceuticals: Analyze product formulations and package coatings; rapidly screen the quality of raw materials, intermediates and formulated products; qualify nutraceuticals.
- Food: compositional analysis of food products; screen for known and unknown adulterants.
- Environmental Safety: Accurately determine and monitor hydrocarbon levels in the environment.
Anasys Nano IR2
- The Anasys nanoIR2-s system is capable of providing high resolution localized infrared (IR) spectroscopy and imaging, along with AFM imaging and metrology. The system will support research associated with organics materials, polymers and materials in life sciences. In addition, this instrument has the extension ability for scattering scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM). Powerful localized nanoscale analytical techniques include:
- Nanoscale infrared spectroscopy
- Powerful, full featured AFM
- Rich, interpretable IR spectra
- Expands nanoscale IR to a wide range of real world samples
- New resonance enhanced mode allows nanoscale IR on < 20nm films
- Multifunctional measurements including integrated thermal and mechanical property mapping
- Designed and built for productivity and rapid time-to-results
- Specification
- Spectral Range: 950-1900 cm-1
- Spectral Resolution: 4 cm-1
- Max Image Size: 80 μm x 80 μm
- Spectral Acquisition Time: 1 minute per spectrum (or less)
- Motorized XY Stage Range: 8 x 8 mm
- Spatial Resolution (XY stage): < 1 μm
- Z Stage Range: > 6 mm
- Optical field of view: ~900 x 600 μm low, ~300 x 200 μm high
- Spatial Resolution (optics): 1.5 μm
FAQ
A: FTIR is an average of vibrational information and the sample has been homogenized, as with micro-FTIR you get localized information within a specific point in your sample. Nano-FTIR offers even a higher spatial resolution which reached into the nano-meter range.
A: FTIR is commonly used on solid samples, powders and particles and thin films
A: Depends on the nature of the sample; typically for powder or solid only a few milligrams, but for thin films and coatings the thickness of the material is more important.
A: An FTIR spectrum provides information about the functional groups present in a sample, which can be used to identify the type of chemical bonds, determine molecular structure, and assess the purity of a substance.
A: Yes, there are various FTIR techniques, including transmission FTIR (for solid samples), attenuated total reflection (ATR) FTIR (for solid and liquid samples), and reflection FTIR (for thin films and surfaces). Each technique has its advantages and is chosen based on the nature of the sample.
A: FTIR analysis, or Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy, is a technique used to study the interaction between matter and infrared light. It provides information about the chemical composition, functional groups, and molecular structure of a sample by measuring the absorption or emission of infrared radiation.
A: FTIR analysis works by passing an infrared beam through a sample and measuring the amount of light that is absorbed at various wavelengths. A Fourier transform is then applied to the data to convert it into a spectrum, which represents the sample’s unique fingerprint based on its molecular vibrations.
A: FTIR analysis can be used for a wide range of applications, including identifying unknown substances, characterizing polymers, studying protein structures, analyzing pharmaceuticals, detecting impurities in materials, and monitoring chemical reactions.
A: The wavenumber in FTIR analysis is a measure of the frequency of the infrared radiation absorbed by a sample. It is inversely proportional to the wavelength. Different functional groups and chemical bonds absorb infrared radiation at specific wavenumbers, so it serves as a critical parameter for identifying and characterizing compounds.
A: FTIR analysis is used in quality control to ensure the consistency and purity of raw materials and finished products. By comparing the FTIR spectra of samples to reference spectra, deviations can be detected, and product quality can be assessed.
A: FTIR analysis has limitations such as the need for samples to be in the solid or liquid phase (not gases), the possibility of interference from water vapor or other impurities, and the requirement for proper sample preparation. Additionally, FTIR may not provide information about the three-dimensional structure of complex molecules.
A: Yes, FTIR can be used for quantitative analysis by comparing the intensity of specific absorption bands to a calibration curve prepared with known concentrations of the analyte of interest. This allows for the quantification of substances in a sample.
A: FTIR analysis is employed in environmental monitoring to detect and quantify pollutants in air, water, and soil. It can identify pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), greenhouse gases, and contaminants in environmental samples.