FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify chemical compounds and investigate molecular structures by measuring the absorption of infrared radiation at various wavelengths. FTIR works by shining infrared light onto a sample and measuring how much light is absorbed at each wavelength. The result is a spectrum that can be used to determine the functional groups present in the sample, as different bonds absorb characteristic frequencies of infrared radiation.
How FTIR Works:
- Infrared light is passed through or reflected off the sample.
- The sample absorbs specific wavelengths of the light based on the vibrational modes of its chemical bonds.
- The resulting absorption spectrum is produced by plotting the intensity of absorbed light against the frequency (or wavenumber) of the light.
- The spectrum provides unique "fingerprints" of different chemical bonds, allowing the identification of molecules or functional groups.
Applications of FTIR:
Chemical Identification: FTIR is commonly used to identify unknown materials by matching the absorption spectra with known standards. It's widely used in materials science, forensics, and quality control.
Polymer Characterization: FTIR is invaluable in studying polymers by identifying specific functional groups in the polymer structure. It helps monitor the production of polymers, including the analysis of their composition and degradation over time.
Environmental Monitoring: FTIR is used to analyze air, water, and soil samples for pollutants, such as gases (CO₂, CO, methane), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other contaminants.
Pharmaceutical Industry: It is used for the quality control and analysis of raw materials, formulations, and drug stability. FTIR can confirm the identity of drug substances, monitor the presence of excipients, and evaluate the quality of pharmaceutical products.
Food and Beverage Industry: FTIR is used for analyzing food ingredients, ensuring quality control, and identifying food contaminants. It can also be used to check the authenticity of food products, such as detecting adulteration in olive oil.
Forensic Science: FTIR is used in forensic analysis for identifying substances found at crime scenes, such as drugs, explosives, and other chemical residues.
Biological and Medical Research: In medical research, FTIR is used to study the composition of cells, tissues, and biological fluids. It can be used in non-invasive diagnostic applications, including cancer detection, by identifying changes in molecular structures.
Coatings and Paints: FTIR helps in analyzing the chemical composition of coatings and paints, including determining curing processes and checking for impurities.
Corrosion Studies: FTIR can be used to identify corrosion products on metals, helping in the study of corrosion processes and materials degradation.