The destruction-free analysis of polymers by fourier transform infrared photoacoustic and fourier transform Raman spectroscopy: A comparison

With the introduction of rapid–scanning Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and recently Raman (FT–Raman) spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy has been launched into a new era of applications in polymer chemistry and physics. Thus, the increase in sensitivity provided by multiple scanning has led to the breakthrough of new, destruction–free sampling techniques, such as photoacoustic and Raman spectroscopy. This paper provides a comparison between data produced by FTIR photoacoustic and FT–Raman analysis of a range of polymers, and structural information available from both techniques is discussed.     

Characterization of PVDF membranes by vibrational spectroscopy

In order to investigate the effectiveness of vibrational spectroscopy in the characterization of polymeric membranes, several poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes with different porous structures were prepared by the phase inversion process using different casting solvents. An accurate analysis of the Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) and the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra was performed for each sample and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results were noted. To highlight the specific problems related to porosity and surface roughness in the acquisition of spectra by different sampling techniques, the attenuated total reflection (ATR) and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) spectra were compared with corresponding spectra obtained from dense films. A detailed analysis of these spectra highlighted their ability in determining the differences in the polymer structure between the two membrane sides. This indicates that (considering the results given by all the different techniques) thorough qualitative membrane characterization can generally be achieved. Moreover, the good quality spectra of the PVDF membrane provide information on a portion of material which depends on its structure, highlighting the usefulness of FTIR-PAS in studying porous materials which, as a rule, give low quality infrared spectra when other sampling techniques are used. However, the complex and inhomogeneous structure of these materials can make quantitative analysis more, or less, difficult.     

Photoacoustic FTIR spectroscopic study of undisturbed nacre from red abalone

In this work, photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared (PA-FTIR) spectroscopy has been utilized to study interfacial interactions of undisturbed nacre and nacre powder from red abalone shell. The spectra of both undisturbed nacre and nacre powder showed characteristic bands of aragonite and proteins. Although nacre powder and undisturbed nacre are chemically identical, PA-FTIR spectrum of undisturbed nacre is found to be significantly different from that of nacre powder. A broad and strong band is observed at around 1485 cm(-1) in nacre powder. The intensity of this band is notably reduced in undisturbed nacre. This result is explained on the basis of interfacial interactions between aragonite platelets and acidic proteins. It is also observed that band at around 1788 cm(-1) originates from three overlapping bands 1797, 1787 and 1778 cm(-1). The band at around 1787 cm(-1) is assigned to CO stretching of carboxylate groups of acidic proteins. The other two bands at 1797 and 1778 cm(-1), originate from aragonite and have been assigned to combination bands, nu(3)+nu(4a) and nu(3)+nu(4b), respectively. For the study of stratification in undisturbed nacre, PA-FTIR spectra have been collected in step scan mode. The variation in spectra with depth can be attributed to changes in conformation of proteins as well as interfacial interactions.     

FT-Raman,FT-infrared and NIR spectroscopic characterization of oxygen-delignified kraft pulp treated with hydrogen peroxide under acidic and alkaline conditions

The effects of bleaching treatment of oxygen-delignified softwood kraft pulp with hydrogen peroxide under acidic and alkaline conditions were studied using standard technological techniques and spectroscopic analytical methods: near-infrared (NIR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Fourier-transform (FT) Raman spectroscopies. Among the three tested spectroscopic techniques, NIR analysis appeared to be the most appropriate in terms of possible technological applications. The use of NIR spectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis allowed to create models for pulp bleaching monitoring based on CIE L*a*b* measurements. Near-infrared and FTIR spectroscopic studies allowed differentiating between the effects of the acidic and alkaline peroxide bleaching stages, but failed in relation to the delignification process. The most representative bands in the FTIR and FT-Raman spectra in terms of delignification and chromophore removal exhibited no correlation with standard technological measurement results.     

Fourier-transform Raman and infrared spectroscopic analysis of novel biliverdin compounds

The vibrational spectroscopy of novel biliverdin compounds were studied by Fourier-transform Raman (FT-Raman) and infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The effects of type, length and position of substituents at C(8) and C(12) or C(1) and C(19) of tetrapyrroles on FT-Raman and FT-IR spectra of these compounds, are discussed. The marker bands are developed in order to distinguish between etiobiliverdin and mesobiliverdin.     

FT-Raman and photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy of Syncrude heavy gas oil distillation fractions

FT-Raman and photoacoustic (PA) infrared spectra of six distillation fractions derived from Syncrude heavy gas oil (HGO), which has a boiling range from 343 to 524 degrees C, were analyzed in detail in this study. Most of the information on the fingerprint region (200-1,800 cm(-1)) is provided by the FT-Raman spectra, which display approximately 30 bands that are assignable to functional groups in alkanes or aromatics. Monocyclic, bicyclic and tricyclic aromatics in the six fractions were also monitored using bands in this region. The C-H stretching region in both the FT-Raman and PA infrared spectra of the HGO distillation fractions was analyzed according to a curve-fitting algorithm used in previous investigations of samples with lower boiling points. The PA spectra of the HGO fractions were also analyzed by integration. The curve-fitting results show that the frequencies of the 11 Raman and 8 infrared bands used to model the aliphatic (approximately 2,775-3,000 cm(-1)) parts of the respective spectra are approximately constant across the entire HGO boiling range. These band positions are consistent with the results obtained in earlier studies of other distillation fractions obtained from Syncrude sweet blend. Both curve-fitting and integration show that the respective proportions of CH(2) and CH(3) groups do not vary significantly within the HGO region.     

FT-Raman and photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy of syncrude light gas oil distillation fractions

FT-Raman and photoacoustic (PA) infrared spectra of 12 distillation fractions derived from Syncrude light gas oil (LGO), which has a boiling range from 195 to 343 degrees C, were analyzed in detail in this study. In the fingerprint region (200-1800 cm(-1)) most of the information is obtained from the FT-Raman spectra, which display 36 bands that are assignable to various alkyl or aryl functional groups. Monocyclic, bicyclic and tricyclic aromatics in the 12 fractions were also characterized using Raman bands in this region. The corresponding section of the infrared spectra is much simpler, displaying a relatively small number of bands due to either aromatic or aliphatic CH(n) (n=1, 2 or 3) groups. The Cz.sbnd;H stretching region in both FT-Raman and PA infrared spectra of the LGO distillation fractions was curve-fitted according to procedures established in previous investigations of Syncrude samples with various boiling ranges. The PA spectra of the LGO fractions were also analyzed using an accepted integration strategy that requires no a priori assumptions with regard to the number of constituent bands or their shapes. The curve-fitting results show that the frequencies of the 11 Raman and eight infrared bands used to model the aliphatic ( approximately 2775-3000 cm(-1)) parts of the respective spectra decrease systematically as the median boiling points of the LGO fractions increase. These band positions are consistent with those determined in earlier studies of other distillation fractions. Both curve fitting and integration show that the abundance of CH(2) groups increases at the expense of CH(3) groups as the boiling points of the fractions increase within the LGO region.     

Vibrational analysis of 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone and 1,5-dichloroanthraquinone. A joint FTIR, FT-Raman and scaled quantum mechanical study

This work deals with the vibrational spectroscopy of 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone (1,4-DAAQ) and 1,5-dichloroanthraquinone (1,5-DCAQ). The mid and far FTIR and FT-Raman spectra were measured in the condensed state. The fundamental vibrational frequencies and intensity of the vibrational bands were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional and 6-31G* basis set. The vibrational spectra were interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on a scaled quantum mechanical force field. The infrared and Raman spectra were also predicted from the calculated intensities. Unambiguous vibrational assignment of all the fundamentals were made using the potential energy distribution (PED).     

Properties of arylpolyesters with reference to water content

The 4000–2000 cm⁻¹ infrared spectral region from transmission FTIR spectra of films (≈ 220 μm thick) of amorphous poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(ethylene 2, 6-naphthalenedicarboxylate) (PEN) was analyzed. In addition to the strong bands for the stretching vibration modes of H-C bonds, the ester-overtone band at about 3430 cm⁻¹ and a doublet (3630, 3550 cm⁻¹) band, related to absorbed water, appear. The spectra for these materials show significant differences in absorptivity and frequency for the ester overtone band. Real time water sorption/desorption in these films was investigated simultaneously by FTIR spectroscopy and by measurement of weight changes. A linear correlation between the integrated absorbance of the water bands and the relative weight variation of the films was found for these two polymers. Results show that the infrared absorptivity of these bands is identical in both materials and that water molecules are weakly bound to ester groups throughout the films. However, it turns out that the water content is higher in the case of PEN which has a larger specific volume.     

Vibrational Study (Raman,SERS, and IR) of Plant Gallnut Polyphenols Related to the Fabrication of Iron Gall Inks

FT-Raman, FTIR, and SERS spectra of the structurally related gallnut polyphenols tannic acid, gallic acid, pyrogallol, and syringic acid are reported in this work aiming at performing a comparative assignation of the bands and finding specific marker features that can identify these compounds in complex polyphenol mixtures. Tannic and gallic acids are the principal components in oak gallnuts, and they can be found in iron gall inks. The different functional groups existing in these molecules and their spatial distribution lead to slight changes of the vibrations. The Raman spectra are dominated by bands corresponding to the ring vibrations, but the substituents in the ring strongly affect these vibrations. In contrast, the FTIR spectra of these molecules are dominated by the peripheral oxygen-containing substituents of the aromatic ring and afford complementary information. SERS spectroscopy can be used to analyze trace amounts of these compounds, but the spectra of these polyphenols show strong changes in comparison with the Raman spectra, indicating a strong interaction with the metal. The most significant modification observed in the SERS spectra of these compounds is the weakening of the benzene 8a ring vibration and the subsequent intensification of the 19a mode of the benzene ring. This mode is also more intense in the FTIR spectra, and its intensification in the SERS spectra could be related to a drastic change in the molecular polarizability associated with the interaction of the polyphenol with the metal in Ag NPs.     

Density functional theory study of vibrational spectra, and assignment of fundamental vibrational modes of succinimide and N-bromosuccinimide

This work deals with the vibrational spectroscopy of succinimide and N-bromosuccinimide. The mid and far FTIR and FT-Raman spectra were measured in the condensed state. The fundamental vibrational frequencies and intensity of vibrational bands were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) using standard B3LYP/6-31G(*) and B3LYP/6-311+G(**) methods and basis set combinations. The vibrational spectra were interpreted, with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on a scaled quantum mechanical force field. The infrared and Raman spectra were also predicted from the calculated intensities. Comparison of simulated spectra with the experimental spectra provides important information about the ability of the computational method to describe the vibrational modes. Unambiguous vibrational assignment of all the fundamentals were made using the total energy distribution (TED).     

Anti-Stokes Yb3+ emission--valuable structure information in spectra of rare earth compounds measured with FT-Raman spectrometers

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful and simple method which proved to be very useful in studies of solids. The most widely used Raman spectrometers are FT-Raman instruments with YAG:Nd(3+) laser as an excitation source. However, in the case of samples containing rare earth elements, the quality of FT-Raman spectra is often low due to strong fluorescence effects. We show that, in such cases, anti-Stokes part of the Raman spectra often contains strong, well resolved bands identified as multiphonon-assisted emission bands of Yb(3+) present as an impurity. We show on several examples that analysis of these bands may provide useful structure information, similar to that obtained by "Eu structure probe" method in optical spectroscopy. The Yb(3+) emission can be also measured using standard luminescence detection systems. However, the application of FT-Raman system allows one to obtain good quality spectra in a much cheaper, easier and faster way (in times as short as a few seconds). Moreover, high-sensitivity of FT-Raman spectrometers allows to detect even very small amounts of Yb(3+) impurity.     

Fluorescence rejection in Raman spectra of Syncrude Sweet Blend distillation fractions

Four techniques for the reduction or elimination of fluorescence from Raman spectra of Syncrude process samples were examined in this study. These methods are based on the retrieval of Raman bands from differential, or derivative spectra. Differential data were generated by subtracting similar spectra of a given sample obtained in three ways: (a) shifted detection utilizing an array detector and two successive spectrometer settings; (b) shifted excitation (dispersive Raman) where the two spectra are recorded using neighbouring laser lines and ordinary photon counting; (c) shifted excitation (FT-Raman) in which the laser frequency is changed in software before acquisition of the second spectrum. In addition to these differential techniques, derivative spectra were acquired directly with a dispersive Raman system by modulating the wavelength during scanning. These fluorescence rejection methods were applied to two groups of Syncrude Sweet Blend distillation fractions. For light gas oils (boiling range, 195-343 degrees C) the ratio of monocyclic and bicyclic aromatic species was determined and bands due to aliphatic CH(n) groups were characterized. Heavy gas oils (343-524 degrees C) yielded bands that allowed quantitation of monocyclic, bicyclic and total aromatic groups. Bands due to aliphatics were also identified for the heavy gas oils. These results constitute a significant advance compared to the information obtainable using conventional dispersive and FT-Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of hydrocarbon distillation fractions.     

Analysis of vibrational spectra of 4-amino-2,6-dichloropyridine and 2-chloro-3,5-dinitropyridine based on density functional theory calculations

This work deals with the vibrational spectroscopy of 4-amino-2,6-dichloropyridine (ADCP) and 2-chloro-3,5-dinitropyridine (CDNP) by means of quantum chemical calculations. The mid and far FTIR and FT-Raman spectra were measured in the condensed state. The fundamental vibrational frequencies and intensity of vibrational bands were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) with the standard B3LYP/6-31G(*) and B3LYP/6-311+G(**) methods and basis set combinations, and was scaled using various scale factors which yields a good agreement between observed and calculated frequencies. The vibrational spectra were interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on scaled density functional force field. The results of the calculations were applied to simulated infrared and Raman spectra of the title compounds, which showed excellent agreement with the observed spectra.     

Raman spectroscopic investigation of acetylation of raw cotton

Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate raw cotton acetylation using acetic anhydride/4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) catalyst blend without solvent. The Raman data further confirm successful acetylation as shown by FTIR that was demonstrated previously to be highly sensitive for determining the level of acetylation. However, the Raman peaks are much weaker than the FTIR bands. Nevertheless, the variations of the extent of acetylation estimated from both Raman and FTIR spectra with weight percent gain due to acetylation (WPG) were observed to follow the same pattern. The degrees of acetylation calculated from Raman data were also found to increase linearly with that calculated from the more sensitive FTIR technique. Raman technique is thus suitable for further development as an analytical tool for determining the acetylation level of natural cellulose fibres. Raman data have also shown that the acetylation reaction reduces the crystallinity of cotton.     

Simulation of IR and Raman spectral based on scaled DFT force fields: a case study of 2-amino 4-hydroxy 6-trifluoromethylpyrimidine, with emphasis on band assignment

This work deals with the vibrational spectroscopy of 2-amino 4-hydroxy 6-triflouromethylpyrimidine (AHFMP) by means of quantum chemical calculations. The mid and far FTIR and FT-Raman spectra were measured in the condensed state. The fundamental vibrational frequencies and intensity of vibrational bands were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) with the standard B3LYP/6-31G* and B3LYP/6-311+G** method and basic set combinations. Normal co-ordinate calculations were performed with the DFT force field corrected by a recommended set of scaling factors yielding fairly good agreement between observed and calculated frequencies. Simulation of infrared and Raman spectra utilizing the results of these calculations led to excellent overall agreement with the observed spectral patterns. The SQM approach applying selective scaling of the DFT force field was shown to be superior to the uniform scaling method in its ability to allow for making modifications in the band assignment, resulting in more accurate simulation of IR and Raman Spectra.     

FT-Raman spectroscopy of biological molecules

Raman spectroscopy of biological molecules is often very difficult if not impossible due to a large fluorescence background from absorbing species, either from the molecule itself or an impurity. Photobleaching is occasionally successful in photochemically removing fluorescent impurities, but the majority of samples are not responsive to such treatment. Resonance enhancement of an absorbing species allows acquisition of Raman spectra in spite of competing fluorescence. However, the resonance Raman spectrum is characteristic of the chromophore only and little structural information is obtained from the spectrum about other parts of the molecule which are not resonantly enhanced. The newly developed technique of FT-Raman spectroscopy proves to be a solution to both of these problems for biological materials. Excitation with infrared wavelengths prevents electronic absorptions which give rise to fluorescence. In addition, the obtained spectra are completely nonresonant, allowing detection of vibrational modes of all parts of the molecule including the chromophore. We will present nonresonant, fluorescence free spectra of a range of biologically significant molecules including phospholipids and porphyrins.     

A critical comparison of solid sample preparation techniques in infrared spectroscopy

The growing capabilities of FTIR spectrometers and computers have opened the use of new sample preparation techniques in infrared spectroscopy. In addition to the established KBr pellet technique and ATR spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance and photoacoustic spectroscopy are increasing in importance. A systematic experimental comparison of these techniques has been made in order to make proper use of their mutual advantages.     

Quantitative aspects of near-infrared Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy

Three fundamental behaviors of vibrational spectroscopy data manipulation routinely associated with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy are evaluated for near-infrared (NIR) Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy. Spectral reproducibility, spectral subtraction and sensitivity are examined relative to the NIR FT-Raman experiment. Quantitative predictive ability is compared for identical sets of samples containing mixtures of the three xylene isomers. Partial least-squares analysis is used to compare predictive ability. IR performance is found to be better than Raman, though the potential for method development using NIR FT-Raman is shown to be quite promising.     

Quantification of casein phosphorylation with conformational interpretation using Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is emerging as a powerful method for obtaining both quantitative and qualitative information from biological samples. One very interesting area of research, for which the technique has rarely been used, is the detection, quantification and structural analysis of post-translational modifications (PTMs) on proteins. Since Raman spectra can be used to address both of these questions simultaneously, we have developed near infrared Raman spectroscopy with appropriate chemometric approaches (partial least squares regression) to quantify low concentration (4 microM) mixtures of phosphorylated and dephosphorylated bovine alpha(s)-casein. In addition, we have used these data in conjunction with Raman optical activity (ROA) spectra and NMR to assess the structural changes that occur upon phosphorylation.