Introduction to FTIR
Spectroscopy
Group 02
M Sayyam
M Tayyab
Amaan Ilahi
Talha Miss Mavra Amin
FSQM-210
Introduction to
FTIR Spectroscopy
FTIR stands for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. It
measures infrared light absorption to analyze materials. This
technology spans chemistry, biology, and materials science. Since
the 1960s, FTIR revolutionized molecular analysis by providing
rapid, detailed spectral data.
Introduction
to FTIR
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) is an analytical technique used to
identify the chemical composition and structure of materials by
examining how they absorb infrared light.
Analyze the vibrational properties of amino acids and cofactors,
which are sensitive to minute structural changes.
Used to detect functional groups and determine molecular
structure by measuring the absorption of infrared radiation.
Identifies molecules by their unique infrared absorption
patterns.
Understanding Infrared (IR) Radiation
IR Radiation Range Measurement Units
Infrared radiations are of wavelengths from 700 Wavenumbers (cm⁻¹) are commonly used over
nm to 1 mm in the electromagnetic spectrum. wavelength (µm).
• Near, mid, and far-IR regions • Higher wavenumbers indicate stronger bond
• • vibrations relates directly to molecular structure
Absorption
Molecular vibrations absorb IR energy
The Basic Principle:
Molecular
Vibrations
Molecular Unique Fingerprints
Absorption
Molecules absorb IR Each molecule has distinct
radiation when frequency vibrational modes like a
matches bond vibration. fingerprint.
The Basic Principle:
Molecular
Vibrations
FTIR works on the principle that molecules absorb
specific frequencies of infrared light that cause
vibrations.
Each functional group absorbs IR radiation at a unique
frequency, resulting in a characteristic spectrum.
The Fourier Transform mathematically converts the raw
time-domain signal (interferogram) into a frequency-
domain spectrum. Wavenumber / cm-1
FTIR Spectrometry of Carbon
(i)
Basic Organic Functional
Reference
Groups
Chart
Components of an FTIR
Spectrometer
IR Source Interferometer
Common sources include Contains beam splitter
Globar and Mercury- and moving/fixed mirrors
Cadmium Telluride (MCT) to create interferograms.
detectors.
Detector Sample Compartment
Detect Signals; Captures Holds solids, liquids, or
transmitted or reflected gases using methods like
IR radiation. ATR or KBr pellets.
Computer
Performs the Fourier Transform and
displays the spectrum.
How FTIR Works (Basic Idea)
•The light then passes through the sample.
•An IR light shines from the source.
•It goes through a special mirror setup called an interferometer.
•The sample absorbs some parts of the light.
•What’s left reaches the detector.
•A computer turns the signal into a graph using math called Fourier
Transform.
What We Get – The Spectrum
• The raw data is called an interferogram
(just a wavy line).
• The computer changes it into a spectrum (a
graph).
• This graph shows peaks where light was
absorbed.
• Each peak tells us something about the sample’s
chemical structure.
Why Sample Preparation Is Important
• The way we prepare the sample affects the result.
• A clean and even sample gives a better graph.
• Solids, liquids, and gases need different methods.
Sample Preparation Methods (Solids & Liquids)
• KBr Pellet (for solids)
– Mix the sample with powder (KBr) and press into a disc.
• ATR (for solids and liquids)
– Just put the sample on a crystal – super quick!
• Liquid Cell (for liquids)
– Put the liquid between two thin plates.
Gases & Choosing the Right Method
• Gas Cell
– Used to test gases – long tube helps detect tiny amounts.
• How to choose?
– Solid? Use KBr or ATR
– Liquid? Use Liquid Cell or ATR
– Gas? Use Gas Cell
– Need fast results? Use ATR
– Need more detail? Use KBr or Liquid Cell
Applications of
FTIR
• Identifying Unknown Materials
• Measuring Concentrations
• Analyzing Materials
• Pharmaceutic
al Industry
• Environmental
Monitoring
• Forensic
Science
Advantages
Non-Destructive Fast and Accurate
Sensitive to
Flexibility
Functional Groups
Limitations
• Not Ideal for Dilute
Samples
• Water Interference
• Overlapping Peaks
• Requires Experience
Modern Research in FTIR (Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
•Smart FTIR with AI
•New FTIR software uses AI
(Artificial Intelligence).
•AI can quickly match unknown
spectra with known chemicals.
•Helps in faster and more
accurate results.
•Reduces human error and makes it
easier for beginners.
Portable FTIR Devices
Small FTIR machines are now portable.
Can be used outside the lab (in fields, factories, even crime
scenes).
Great for quick tests without needing big lab setups.
Used in food testing, pollution checks, and drug analysis.
FTIR Microscopy
Looking at Tiny Samples
Combines FTIR with a microscope.
Can analyze very small or tiny parts of a sample.
Helpful in forensics, electronics, and biology.
Can even study small cracks or particles on a surface.
Hyphenated Techniques (FTIR + Other Tools)
FTIR with Extra Power!
Scientists combine FTIR with other machines:
FTIR-GC – studies gases and mixtures.
FTIR-TGA – shows what happens when a sample is heated.
This helps in advanced testing of materials.
Used in research labs and industries.
THANK
YOU
