2nd Edition

Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

By Brian C. Smith Copyright 2011
    208 Pages 155 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Reflecting the myriad changes and advancements in the technologies involved in FTIR, particularly the development of diamond ATRs, this second edition of Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy has been extensively rewritten and expanded to include new topics and figures as well as updates of existing chapters.

    Designed for those new to FTIR, but with enough reference material to appeal to journeyman and expert spectroscopists, this book does not demand any extensive familiarity with chemistry or physics. Specializing in concise and comprehensible explanations of FTIR topics, the author introduces the field of infrared spectroscopy, including the strengths and weaknesses of FTIR as a chemical analysis technique. He then describes the instrument itself and explores topics such as how an interferometer generates a spectrum, optimization of spectral quality, and which tests are used to monitor instrument health.

    The book discusses how to properly use spectral processing to increase the information of a spectrum without damaging the data and takes considerable care in instructing on sample preparation, as good sample preparation constitutes half the battle in extracting good data. The final chapters examine single analyte quantitative analysis and conclude with an overview of infrared microscopy.

    Drawing on the experience and knowledge of the author as both a professor and practitioner, Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy offers up-to-date information given in clear, easily understood language to appeal to beginner and expert spectroscopists alike.

    The author maintains a website and blog with supplemental material. His training course schedule is also available online.

    Introduction to Infrared Spectroscopy
    Terms and Definitions
    The Properties of Light
    What Is an Infrared Spectrum?
    What Are Infrared Spectra Used For?
    The Advantages and Disadvantages of Infrared Spectroscopy
    The Advantages and Disadvantages of FTIR
    The Advantages of FTIRs
    The Disadvantage of FTIR
    FTIR: The Rest of the Story

    How an FTIR Works
    Interferometers and Interferograms
    How Many Scans Should Be Used?
    How an Interferogram Becomes a Spectrum
    Scanning Advice
    Instrumental Resolution
    What Determines Resolution in an FTIR Scan?
    What Resolution Should Be Used?
    FTIR Trading Rules
    FTIR Hardware
    Interferometers
    Infrared Sources
    Beamsplitters
    Infrared Detectors
    The Laser
    Testing Instrument Quality and Troubleshooting

    Proper Use of Spectral Processing
    The Rules of Spectral Processing
    Spectral Subtraction
    Subtraction Artifacts
    Baseline Correction
    Smoothing
    Spectral Derivatives
    Deconvolution
    Guidance, Precautions, and Limitations
    Spectral Library Searching
    The Search Process
    Interpreting Library Search Results
    Analysis of Mixtures: Subtract and Search Again

    Preparing Samples Properly
    Transmission Sampling Overview
    Windows, Cells, and Materials for Transmission Analysis
    Transmission Analysis of Solids and Powders
    KBr Pellets
    Mulls
    Transmission Analysis of Polymers
    The Cast Film Method
    The Heat and Pressure Method
    Transmission Analysis of Liquids
    Capillary Thin Films
    Sealed Liquid Cells
    Transmission Analysis of Gases and Vapors
    Reflectance Analysis
    Different Types of Reflectance
    Advantages and Disadvantages of Reflectance Sampling
    Specular Reflectance
    Diffuse Reflectance (DRIFTS)
    Abrasive Sampling
    Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR)
    Depth of Penetration
    Applications of ATR
    Liquids
    Semi-Solids
    Polymers
    Powders
    ATR: Advantages and Disadvantages
    FTIR Sample Preparation: Overview and Recommendations

    Quantitative Infrared Spectroscopy
    Terms and Definitions
    Beer’s Law
    Calibration and Prediction with Beer’s Law
    Calibration
    Prediction
    An Experimental Protocol for Single Component Analyses
    Measuring Absorbances Properly
    Peak Areas versus Peak Heights
    Dealing with Overlapped Peaks
    Avoiding Experimental Errors

    Infrared Microscopy
    Hyphenated Infrared Techniques
    Infrared Microscopy Instrumentation
    Sample Preparation
    Applications
    Infrared Mapping and Imaging

    Glossary


    Index



    Biography

    Dr. Brian C. Smith founded Spectros Associates in 1992. He has practiced spectroscopy for over 30 years, and has worked for companies such as Bell Labs and Bio-Rad. Dr. Smith is also an experienced trainer and thousands of people have benefited from his spectroscopy and software training. Dr. Smith is the author of Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Spectroscopy and Infrared Spectral Interpretation, published by CRC Press, and Quantitative Spectroscopy: Theory and Practice, published by Academic Press. Dr. Smith earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Dartmouth College, and graduated summa cum laude from Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Chemistry.