FTIR Talk Letter (vol. 42)

Importance of the Topic

Integrating precise infrared and Raman spectroscopy with advanced materials and instruments addresses critical challenges in carbon dioxide capture, polymer analysis, and compact FTIR deployment in modern analytical laboratories. These developments support carbon-neutral strategies, accurate microanalysis, and streamlined workflows for quality control and research.

Study Objectives and Overview

This summary covers four interrelated contributions: the design of platinum‐based dual functional materials (DFMs) for CO₂ capture and selective hydrogenation with FTIR characterization; the configuration of a combined infrared/Raman microscope (AIRsight); practical notes on infrared spectral analysis of paraffins; and the introduction of a compact FTIR spectrophotometer series (IRSpirit-X).

Methodology and Instrumentation

The research on DFMs employed stepwise impregnation to synthesize Pt–M/Al₂O₃ catalysts, isothermal CCR tests at 350 °C with FTIR gas analysis, and in situ FTIR to track surface intermediates. Structural studies used STEM–EDX mapping and CO adsorption FTIR. The AIRsight microscope integrates infrared transmission/reflection optics and a Raman laser path via shared mirrors and a five‐position revolver, controlled by unified software (AMsolution). Paraffin spectral notes rely on standard FTIR transmission measurements and polarized light to distinguish polymer types and molecular orientation. The IRSpirit-X series offers a compact FTIR bench, optional internal dehumidifier, and preconfigured software macros for routine analysis.

Main Results and Discussion

Pt-Na/Al₂O₃ showed superior CO₂ uptake in O₂-containing streams and achieved 93 % CO selectivity under CCR, attributed to Na-modified Pt nanoparticles that promote CO₂ adsorption adjacent to active sites and suppress further hydrogenation of CO. The AIRsight instrument delivers sub-100 µm co-located infrared and Raman measurements without sample repositioning, enhancing qualitative accuracy and lab efficiency. Infrared peak assignments above 3 000 cm⁻¹, at 1 460/1 360 cm⁻¹, and at 750 cm⁻¹ enable reliable classification of paraffins, olefins, aromatics, and polymer density, while polarized measurements reveal PP chain orientation. The IRSpirit-X series meets small-space requirements and provides turnkey workflows for identification, contaminant analysis, and spectral advice.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• The Pt-Na/Al₂O₃ DFM enables compact, isothermal CO₂ capture and conversion units suitable for exhaust gas streams.
• AIRsight streamlines mid-IR and Raman microanalysis in heterogeneous samples, reducing instrument footprint and user training.
• Paraffin spectral guidelines improve polymer QC, material sorting, and density estimation using routine FTIR setups.
• IRSpirit-X’s space-saving design and robust components support high-throughput analysis in quality control and R&D laboratories.

Instrumentation Used

• Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (IRSpirit-X Series)
• Infrared/Raman microscope (AIRsight) with AMsolution software
• STEM–EDX for nanoparticle characterization
• In situ FTIR gas cell for CCR studies

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging directions include the development of non-noble metal DFMs for tailored CO₂ reduction, combined direct air capture and hydrogenation systems, integration of machine learning for spectral interpretation, and further miniaturization of dual-mode microscopy. Continued technology convergence will drive decentralized carbon utilization, rapid polymer sorting in recycling, and automated FTIR solutions in regulated industries.

Conclusion

The synergy between advanced catalytic materials characterized by FTIR, innovative dual-mode microscopy, targeted spectral analysis protocols, and compact FTIR instruments is reshaping analytical chemistry workflows. These advancements enhance process efficiency in environmental applications, streamline microanalysis, and democratize FTIR access across diverse laboratory settings.

Reference

[1] M. S. Duyar et al., Appl. Catal. B Environ., 2015, 168-169, 370.
[2] L. F. Bobadilla et al., J. CO₂ Util., 2016, 14, 106.
[3] L. Li et al., ACS Catal., 2022, 12, 2639.