Simple methods to measure powder samples by FT/IR

In general for FT/IR, powder samples are measured by 1) KBr Pellet method, 2) Diffuse Reflection method, 3) Solution method, and 4) Microscope Transmission method. Each method has its own advantage and disadvantage and often needs some pretreatments or attachment for sample preparation in order to obtain good spectra. For example:

• KBr Pellet method: Sample powder needs dilution with KBr and pressing with KBr pellet die and hydraulic press to make a pellet. Sometimes there may need also repeated pretreatments for the best concentration.
• Diffuse Reflection method: There is no need of pressing but the dilution with KBr is required as KBr Pellet method. A measurement without dilution may cause the peaks reversed at the strong peaks.
• Solution method: There may need some apparatus to dilute sample with some solvent, and pipettes to pour sample solution into liquid cell.
• Microscopic Transmission method: There needs IR Microscope and since it adopts MCT detector, Liquid N2 is required to chill the detector. Hydraulic press may be needed in order to press the powder sample sandwiched between KBr plates.

As mentioned above, usual measurements always need some sample pretreatments. This technical note introduces a new procedure, by which the sample can be placed on the sample compartment without dilution, enabling to obtain good spectra.