Multiplying Productivity: The Nicolet iZ10 Module

Significance of the topic

The integration of auxiliary sample compartments and application-specific accessories into compact FT-IR platforms addresses a growing need in analytical and QC laboratories for flexible, multi-technique workflows. Combining thermal analysis, near-infrared diffuse reflectance and high-throughput microplate interrogation with a validated FT-IR base increases laboratory productivity, reduces instrument changeover time and improves confidence in data used for materials characterization, contaminant identification and routine incoming inspection.

Objectives and overview of the study

This technical note describes the Thermo Scientific Nicolet iZ10 Auxiliary Experiment Module paired with the Nicolet iS10 FT-IR spectrometer. The aim is to demonstrate how the iZ10 provides a fully functional second sample compartment under full software control, enabling simultaneous or rapidly interchangeable workflows such as diamond ATR, TGA-IR hyphenation, near-IR diffuse reflectance with an integrating sphere, and automated micro-well plate reading. Emphasis is placed on performance verification, instrument flexibility and representative application results (TGA-IR of epoxy resin, NIR calibration of polyethylene, and microplate-based bacterial classification).

Methodology and used instrumentation

The system architecture and key methodological elements are:

• Nicolet iS10 FT-IR mainframe with a Nicolet iZ10 auxiliary module providing a second, separately sealed and desiccated sample compartment under software control.
• Performance verification implemented through the same ASTM-based validation wheel and automatic performance verification tools usable for both compartments, eliminating the need for separate validation hardware or software for the iZ10.
• TGA-IR hyphenation: a thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) with a heated transfer line connected to a heated gas cell within the spectrometer. The TGA weight-loss trace is correlated to time-resolved infrared spectra of evolved gases. OMNIC Specta software is used for multi-component spectral deconvolution and identification.
• Near-IR capability: Smart NIR integrating sphere accessory mounted in the iZ10, using extended-range XT-KBr optics and an interchangeable source. A dedicated InGaAs detector (self-contained in the integrating sphere accessory) delivers spectral coverage from ca. 4000 to 10000 cm-1, while the main DTGS detector supports mid-IR and extends into the NIR.
• High-throughput sampling: micro-well plate reader compatible with standard or custom plates, operable in transmission or DRIFTS modes. The transmission mode uses a dedicated detector and a downward-looking CCD camera to image wells; Array Automation OMNIC add-on software integrates acquisition with TQ Analyst chemometrics for classification and quantitative models.

Main results and discussion

• TGA-IR (epoxy resin example): The imported TGA weight-loss profile was plotted alongside time-resolved IR spectra. OMNIC Specta successfully deconvoluted multi-component gas-phase spectra from small sample masses (~1 mg) to identify up to four simultaneous evolved species, demonstrating high sensitivity and signal-to-noise for evolved gas analysis and facilitating deformulation of complex polymers.
• NIR integrating sphere (polyethylene): Diffuse reflectance spectra collected from polyethylene samples of different densities (spun in a glass-bottom cup over the sphere window) yielded reproducible spectral differences. Partial least squares (PLS) calibration constructed in TQ Analyst showed the feasibility of laboratory NIR calibrations that can be transferred to ruggedized FT-NIR systems (Antaris) for production or dock-side use.
• Micro-well plate automation (bacterial classification): Transmission-mode measurements with CCD imaging enabled classification of bacteria used in cheese production. Array Automation linking acquisition and TQ Analyst raised daily throughput from under 50 samples to several hundred, enabling rapid screening consistent with increasing regulatory demands. DRIFTS mode was noted as suitable for powdered samples and forensic screening of drugs or ores.
• System validation and workflow advantages: The iZ10 uses the same validation wheel and automatic performance verification routines as the iS10, maintaining consistent system performance across compartments. Software detects accessory configuration and supports bar code-triggered selection of compartments and automated background collection.

Benefits and practical applications

The combined iS10/iZ10 platform delivers multiple practical advantages for analytical laboratories:

• Enhanced productivity via a second sample compartment that can host dedicated accessories (TGA, NIR sphere, microplate reader) without blocking the main compartment.
• Reduced downtime and simpler workflows through software-controlled accessory recognition, automated switching, and unified performance verification.
• Improved analytical capability for polymer deformulation, quality control of raw materials (NIR ID), high-throughput screening (microplate), and forensics or materials screening in DRIFTS mode.
• Transferability of laboratory calibrations to more rugged field or production NIR instruments, enabling scale-up from R&D or QC labs to production monitoring.

Figures, tables and illustrative content — key points

• Figure summaries presented in the note:
  • Illustration of the iS10 mainframe with Smart iTR diamond ATR while the iZ10 houses the TGA accessory, highlighting concurrent readiness for ATR and TGA-IR experiments.
  • TGA-IR example plot showing TGA weight-loss trace with a corresponding IR spectrum at a selected time point to demonstrate correlation between mass loss and evolved gas identity.
  • OMNIC Specta multi-component search results identifying multiple gases evolved from an epoxy sample during TGA.
  • NIR spectra for polyethylene of different densities and an inset PLS calibration demonstrating discrimination by density.
  • Microplate reader installed in the iS10 and Array Automation output showing classification maps for bacterial samples in wells.
• No numerical tables were reproduced; key numerical claims include NIR spectral range coverage (4000–10000 cm-1) and typical TGA sample size (~1 mg) for sensitive evolved-gas detection.

Future trends and possibilities for use

• Broader adoption of modular, multi-compartment FT-IR systems in QC and R&D as labs require simultaneous or rapidly interchangeable analyses spanning mid-IR, NIR and hyphenated thermal techniques.
• Increased reliance on automated chemometrics pipelines (PLS, classification algorithms) integrated with acquisition for routine decision-making, traceability and regulatory reporting.
• Wider deployment of laboratory-scale NIR calibrations to robust FT-NIR instruments in production environments, enabling continuous raw-material verification and process control.
• Further improvements in software-driven accessory recognition, validation automation and data integrity workflows to support regulated environments (e.g., food safety, pharmaceuticals, forensics).

Conclusion

The Nicolet iZ10 module extends the functionality of the Nicolet iS10 FT-IR into a flexible, validation-ready, multi-application workstation. By providing a fully controlled secondary compartment and seamless software integration, laboratories gain a cost-effective way to run TGA-IR, NIR diffuse reflectance, and high-throughput microplate analyses without sacrificing validation consistency. Demonstrated case studies show robust evolved-gas identification, reliable NIR calibrations for material discrimination, and substantial throughput gains from microplate automation, collectively supporting faster, more confident analytical decision-making in QC, materials research and forensic contexts.

References

1. Lefier D.; Beccard B.; Bradley M. Classification of Bacteria using FT-IR. Thermo Scientific Application Note 51396.