Introduction to Gas Phase

FTIR Spectroscopy
 Introduction to FTIR spectroscopy
FTIR stands for Fourier transform infrared, the preferred So, what information can FTIR
method of infrared spectroscopy. In infrared (IR)
spectroscopy provide?
spectroscopy, radiation in the IR region of the
• It can identify trace contaminants in high-purity gas
electromagnetic spectrum is passed through a gas
samples
sample. Some of the infrared radiation is absorbed by the
sample and some of it is passed through (transmitted). • It can determine up to 30 components in gases from
combustion processes, such as diesel engine emissions
The resulting spectrum represents the molecular
or continuous emissions monitoring (CEM) applications
absorption and transmission response, creating a
molecular fingerprint of the sample. Like a fingerprint no • It can quantify gas samples over large concentration
spans, from parts per billion up to 99.99%
two unique molecular structures produce the same
infrared spectrum. This makes infrared spectroscopy • It can monitor gas samples continuously, providing
useful for several types of analysis. Concentration versus Time trend charts
• It cannot detect diatomic or noble gases such as O2, N2,
H2, He, or Ar, which do not have absorbance bands in
the infrared region of the spectrum.

This booklet is an introduction to the principles behind

FTIR gas spectroscopy and will address basic FTIR
theory, how it works, and the practical aspects that must
be considered for FTIR analysis of gases. We hope that
this information gives you a good understanding of the
importance and usefulness of this powerful technique.

The Spectrometer
Conceptual diagram of the beam path through
a transmission sample
Sample

Detector

Source
Energy

Wavelength Wavelength

2
FTIR spectroscopy for gas analysis
Why infrared spectroscopy? a C= C double bond is stronger and stiffer than a C-C
single bond, so higher energy input, or higher frequency,
Infrared spectroscopy has been a workhorse technique
is needed to cause a vibration. Similarly, an H-Cl bond
for materials analysis in the laboratory for over seventy
will vibrate at a different frequency than an N-O bond.
years. An infrared spectrum represents a fingerprint of a
The infrared detector measures the amount of energy at
sample with absorption peaks that correspond to the
each frequency that has passed through the sample.
frequencies of vibrations between the bonds of the
This results in a spectrum, which is a plot of absorbance
atoms making up the material. As each chemical
intensity versus frequency.
compound is comprised of a unique combination of
atoms, no two compounds produce the exact same Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is preferred over
infrared spectrum. Therefore, infrared spectroscopy can older IR filter instruments or other gas analyzers for
result in a positive identification (qualitative analysis) of a several reasons:
material’s unique composition. In addition, the size of the
peaks in the infrared spectrum is a direct indication of the • It is a non-destructive technique with little or no sample
preparation requirement
amount of material present. With modern software
algorithms, infrared spectroscopy is an excellent tool for • It can quantify multiple components across a broad
quantitative analysis. concentration range within a single measurement
• It provides a precise measurement method with
Gas phase infrared spectroscopy extremely stable calibrations (no need for daily
recalibration)
A key advantage of infrared spectroscopy is the
simultaneous measurement of many frequencies within a • Can monitor high-speed transient responses as quickly
single scan. This broad spectrum approach provides as 5 scans/second
information for many types of chemical bonds, as the • Its sensitivity can be improved by co-adding repeated
different IR frequencies cause vibration/rotation of scans, providing detection limits down into part-per-
different molecules at different energy levels. For example, billion for many components

Spectra of
Common Gases
Full-spectrum FTIR analysis has
the power to monitor multiple
components in a single sample

3
 How FTIR spectroscopy works
A key advantage of FTIR spectroscopy is the infrared frequency that comes from the source. This means
measurement of all spectral frequencies simultaneously. that as the interferogram is measured, all frequencies are
Older IR technology used dispersion gratings, which scan being measured simultaneously. Thus, the use of the
through the spectrum one frequency at a time. An FTIR interferometer results in extremely fast measurements.
spectrometer uses an optical device called an
Spectral resolution, the ability to discriminate between
interferometer, which modulates all of the infrared
adjacent absorbance peaks, is important in gas analysis to
frequencies “encoded” into it. The signal can be measured
help distinguish between different components. Gas spectra
very quickly, up to 5 scans a second for gas samples.
typically feature numerous sharp, narrow absorbance
This enables the spectrometer to monitor rapid changes
bands in a spectral “envelope”, as compared to the broader,
in sample concentration over time.
rounder spectral bands characteristic of solid or liquid
samples. This arises from gas molecules having more
Most interferometers employ a beamsplitter, which takes
degrees of freedom from intermolecular effects, enabling
the incoming infrared beam and divides it into two optical
the atoms in the chemical bonds to rotate and vibrate
beams. One beam reflects off of a flat mirror that is fixed in
freely. Consequently, spectrometers must be set to
place. The other beam reflects off of a flat mirror mounted
collect high-resolution data (typically 0.5 cm-1) to resolve
on a mechanism that moves the mirror a very short
each sharp peak of a gas’ spectrum.
distance (typically a few millimeters) away from the
beamsplitter. The two beams reflect off of their respective Because the analyst requires a frequency spectrum (a
mirrors and are recombined when they meet back at the plot of the intensity at each individual frequency) in order to
beamsplitter. Because the path that one beam travels is make an identification, the measured interferogram signal
a fixed length and the other is constantly changing as its cannot be interpreted directly. A means of “decoding” the
mirror moves, the signal that exits the interferometer is individual frequencies is required. This can be accomplished
the result of these two beams “interfering” with each other. via a well-known mathematical technique called the Fourier
The resulting signal is called an interferogram, which has transformation (FT). This transformation is performed by
the unique property that every data point (a function of the computer, which then presents the user with the
the moving mirror position) has information about every desired spectral information for analysis.

FTIR data processing summary

Interferogram Single beam

Sample Sample Transmittance

Ratio
FT
Background Background

Absorbance

4
The gas sample analysis process
Generating a spectrum on an FTIR spectrometer follows 5. T
 he Computer: The measured signal is digitized and
this process: sent to the computer where the Fourier transformation
takes place. The final infrared spectrum is then
1. T
 he Source: Infrared energy is emitted from a glowing presented to the user for interpretation and any further
black-body source. This beam passes through an manipulation.
aperture, which controls the amount of energy presented
to the gas sample (and, ultimately, to the detector). Because there needs to be a relative scale for the
absorption intensity, a background spectrum must also
2. T
 he Interferometer: The beam enters the interferometer
be measured. The background is taken through an
where the “spectral encoding” takes place. The resulting
interferogram signal then exits the interferometer. The evacuated gas cell, or with the cell filled with N2 or other
interferometer uses a reference laser for precise non-absorbing gas, in order to “zero” the instrument
wavelength calibration, mirror position control and data response. The background or zero spectrum is then
acquisition timing. compared to the sample spectrum within the gas cell to
3. T
 he Sample: Gas samples are enclosed in a gas cell determine the “percent transmittance” of each frequency.
with windows, which seal the gas cell and allow the Any spectral features common to the background
infrared beam to pass into the cell. “White” cells have spectrum and the sample spectrum will then cancel each
highly-reflective gold mirrors on either end of the cell, other out and not appear in the final measurement. Thus,
allowing the IR beam to pass multiple times through
all spectral features on the spectrum are strictly attributed
the sample before exiting the cell. The gas sample is
controlled to a constant temperature and pressure to to the sample. This technique compensates for any
ensure reproducible sampling. spectral distortions or drift from the instrument that
affects the spectrum. A single background measurement
4. The Detector: The beam finally passes to the detector
for final measurement. The detectors used are specially can be used for many sample measurements because
designed to measure the interferogram signal. this background spectrum is characteristic of the
instrument itself.

A simple spectrometer layout

Beamsplitter
Interferometer Mirror
Reference
laser
CAUTION

Optical path
IR source Mirror

Mirror

Mirror
Detector

Gas sample cell 5

 FTIR spectroscopy advantages
Below are some of the major advantages that FTIR Fast, convenient sampling
spectroscopy offers over other analytical techniques.
Sample handling for gases is easy since samples simply
enter the gas cell directly for immediate measuring.
Multiple gases analyzed in one sample
Controlling the gas cell at a fixed temperature and pressure
Most analytical sensors are sensitive to only 1 or 2 gases is all that is needed for reproducible results. Data collection
of interest, such as a chemiluminescence (CIA) detector does not require the use of diffusers, impingers or
for NOx gases (NO/NO2). In contrast, all IR-active gases chemical derivatization. Hot, wet gases can be sampled
are sampled simultaneously with an FTIR spectrometer directly without passing through a water condenser
with some methods analyzing over 30 separate gases! (“cold trap”) or be diluted with room air and captured in
Broad range of industrial compounds Tedlar® bags. A particulate filter for soot or other solid-phase
contaminants may be used to keep the gas cell clean.
• Combustion byproducts CO, CO2, H2O
FTIR analysis can be used to monitor the quality of
• Methane (CH4) and other hydrocarbon species
individual gas samples (e.g., pure specialty gases) or
• NO, NO2, N2O, NH3 for environmental applications to create concentration trend charts from flowing sample
• Toxic or corrosive gases such as HCl, HCN, HF, streams (e.g., continuous emissions monitoring—CEM).
HBr, SO2 Unlike gas chromatography (GC), FTIR spectroscopy can
• Semiconductor gases such as NF3, SiF4, CF4, CO2, measure rapid changes in sample concentrations to
and many chloro/fluorocarbons transient events, second-by-second or even faster.
• Chemical species such as alcohols, aldehydes, and Quantitative FTIR data is also easily automated and
aromatic compounds (BTEX) integrated with industrial process control systems and
can be combined with other analyzer results such
Gas FTIR Applications Information Collected as O2 sensors.
Contaminants in gases at low parts-
High-purity
specialty gases
per-billion levels for semiconductor and Broad dynamic range—from percent levels
industrial manufacturing
Purity of oxygen or compressed
to parts-per-billion
Aviator breathing
breathing air for pilots, scuba tanks, or Through proper selection of gas sampling parameters,
oxygen (ABO)
firefighters
such as gas cell pathlength and spectral resolution, FTIR
Continuous emissions monitoring spectroscopy can analyze gases at wildly contrasting
Combustion
(CEMS) of pollutants such as NOx
exhaust analysis concentrations. FTIR analysis of combustion samples,
gases, SO2, or VOC
Gas byproducts from catalytic chemical for example, can measure CO2 values at 25%, with NO
Catalyst studies values down to 1 ppm. Detection levels of low parts-per-
reactions and kinetics
Concentration of smoke toxicity gases billion of contaminants in high-purity gas samples can be
Fire safety science such as HCl or HF emitted from burning achieved with sampling times of less than 2 minutes.
materials
Gas profiles emitted by biomass, Stable response eliminates need for daily
Renewable energy fermentation, and anaerobic digestion
at landfills recalibration
Most gas analyzers require the user to keep span gases
(calibration gases) available for daily analyzer recalibration
to adjust for changes in instrument response. In contrast,
FTIR calibrations remain very stable and accurate
indefinitely without recalibration. This is possible because
taking a new background/zero scan compensates for
any instrumental drift in the final absorbance spectrum.

6
Practical considerations for gas sampling
There are several key factors to consider when setting up The diagram below shows a typical path for the gas to
an FTIR gas analysis system. For the highest accuracy, flow through the spectrometer. A diaphragm pump
the gas temperature and pressure should be kept constant, creates a vacuum, pulling the sample through a heated
so that any changes in the spectra are due to changes in sample line into a heated gas cell to maintain a constant
concentration, not gas density. temperature. By adjusting the inlet and outlet valves,
pressure can be kept constant as the gas flows through
the cell. Alternatively, mass flow controllers may be used
to maintain a constant flow through the cell.

Consider these parameters when configuring an FTIR spectrometer for your gas analysis application.*

Parameters Spectrometer Options Example Configurations

What are the concentration • 10 cm cell for % levels
Choose the gas cell pathlength designed for
range/detection limits of your • 2 M cell for part per million (ppm)
your detection range
compounds? • 10 M cell for part per billion (ppb)
Exhaust gases from combustion must be
What temperature and pressure Choose temperature and pressure controllers;
heated to prevent condensation of water or
are required? Choose pressurized gas cells
other compounds
How fast do I need to collect Select the FTIR detector that matches your • DTGS used for 1–2 minute collections
samples? collection speed • MCT used for second-by-second collections
Software selections to match sample • Single samples
Static or changing concentrations?
conditions • Concentration trend charts
How to analyze/quantify gas Accurate predictions require optimized
Standard or customized calibrations available
samples? calibrations
• Automated control of sample valves
Standalone FTIR results or Interface with digital control systems (DCS)
• Data transmission to external control system
integrate with other sensors? or programmable logic controllers (PLC)
via Ethernet or 4–20 mA
*Your local Thermo Fisher Scientific representative can answer questions to optimize the FTIR system for your application(s).

Gas sample conditioning example

Gas flow diagram showing sample conditioning before
entering the spectrometer

Gas divider
Inlet valve for calibration standards
Span gas cylinders

Heated N2 background
sample line

Sample

Pressure gauge
to monitor sample—
pressure at 760 mm Hg
(1 atmosphere)

Antaris IGS Vent to hood

Sample lines and gas cell at 50 °C Outlet valve
Vacuum pump = Valve 7
FTIR spectroscopy solutions for gas analysis
We offer a full line of robust gas analyzers to meet your laboratory requirements—from flexible, general-purpose
laboratory systems to rugged systems designed for heavy use in industrial environments. Turnkey calibrations for
standard gas applications provide accurate measurements of key environmental gases with customized solutions
available for unique applications.

Thermo Scientific™ Antaris™ IGS FTIR Gas Analyzer

Use this rugged FTIR spectrometer as the standard platform for dedicated
applications such as environmental monitoring of combustion gases. The system
can be operated manually for discrete tests or integrated into a digital control
system (DCS) for automated operation.

Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ iG50 FTIR Spectrometer

Use this customizable FTIR spectrometer for sampling flexibility in applications
which require adaptable sampling parameters or unusual sampling configurations.
Mix-and-match optical components to focus and record the IR beam directly at
your sample.

Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ iS50 FTIR Spectrometer

Use this powerful FTIR spectrometer for ultimate flexibility to meet any of your
laboratory FTIR research needs. This complete spectroscopy workstation gives
you sampling options beyond gas analysis, from R&D to failure analysis. Extend
your capabilities using the built-in ATR and flexible sampling modules (including
IR-microscope, Raman, or TGA interface).

Thermo Scientific™ Antaris™ FTIR Gas Conditioning

and Analysis System
We offer a variety of gas sampling options to meet the demands of different
applications. Use this complete rack-mounted FTIR spectrometer that offers
portability and an integrated conditioning manifold system to deliver a turnkey
solution for a wide range of industrial environments.

fpo Reduce workplace stress

Keep your business running everywhere around the globe with our technical support,
training and maintenance contracts provided by Unity Lab Services
(unitylabservices.com) and our qualified dealer network.

Find out more at thermofisher.com/IGS

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