Infrared Characterization System #4:

Liquid/Solid RAIRS

Manual

Francisco Zaera Group

Prepared by Lora Shorthouse, November 2011
Modified by Zhen Ma, 2006
Modified by Ilkeun Lee, October, 2010
Modified by Yufei Ni, July 2014

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Table of Content

1. General Considerations/Overview of Equipment

2. FTIR Instrument and General Operation
a. Spectrometer General Description
b. FTIR Performance Characterization
i. Measuring Spectral Signal-to-Noise
ii. Maximizing Absorbance Signal
c. Main FTIR Parameters
d. Optical Alignment
e. Detector
i. Types
ii. Preparation
iii. Maintenance
f. Transmittance spectra
i. Choice of Background Spectra
g. OPUS Software
h. Spectra Acquisition
i. Maintenance
i. IR Lamp
1. Beam Detection
2. Intensity Measurement
3. Cooling
4. Replacement
ii. HeNe Laser
1. Measuring and Adjusting Signal Intensity
2. Replacement
2. Liquid and Gas Handling System
a. Schematics
b. General Operational Procedure
c. Liquid and Gas Sample Handling
i. Liquids
ii. Gases
d. Maintenance
3. Optical Path, Purging Box
a. General Description, Schematics
b. Setup
c. Opening and Closing of Purge Box

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 d. Polarizer
e. Maintenance
4. Liquid/Solid RAIRS Cell
a. General Description, Schematics
b. Potentiostat
c. Initial Setup
d. Back Surface (Surface) Pretreatment
e. Beam Alignment
f. Cell Cleaning
g. Long Term Maintenance
5. Typical Experiment Sequence
a. Initial Steps
b. Setup
i. RAIRS of Species Adsorbed on Back Surface
ii. Transmission IR of Suspended Powders
c. Exposure to Adsorbate and Sample Spectrum Acquisition
d. Final Steps
e. Data Processing
6. Suggested Training for Beginners
7. Materials
a. General Elements
b. Electrochemical System
c. Liquid Handling
d. Polishing Material

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1. General Considerations/Overview of Equipment

This liquid/solid RAIRS cell is designed for reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy

(RAIRS) characterization of molecules adsorbed on metal (e.g., Pt) surfaces under liquid
phases. The cell is equipped with a counter electrode (Pt wire) for electrochemical cleaning
of the sample (typically a polycrystalline Pt disk) surface. Liquid can be flowed in and out
of the cell, and gas can be bubbled in for purging or reactions. The design of this cell is
based on cells used for studies on electrode surfaces (except for the absence of a reference
electrode). The cell can be used as a transmission IR cell for powders in liquid, by
suspending or trapping the powder in between the prism and the back surface, which is
made out of an inert material (Cu or Au) to act as a mirror.

Provided below are a couple of pictures of the original optical setup

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 1. FTIR Instrument and General Operation

a) Spectrometer General Description1

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) instrument used for this system is a Bruker Tensor 27.
More details about this instrument can be found in its manual.
The core optical device of every FTIR spectrometer is the interferometer, whose
construction dates back to 1880 by Lord Rayleigh. However it is Michelson who is believed
to build up the first operable instrument at that period.
Interferometer is designed to measure the interference pattern between two light beams. The
interferometer splits the single light beam into two light beams. The interferometer then
causes the two light beams to travel different paths. After the two light beams have traveled
their different paths they are recombined into one beam, and then the light beam leaves the
interferometer.

1
Brian. C. Smith., Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (2 nd edition), CRC press, Taylor& Francis
Group

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 The optical diagram of a Michelson interferometer.
Inside the interferometer, the light beams reflected from the fixed and moving mirrors
interfere as follows:
Af =A1+A2
Where:
Af =Final amplitude;
A1= The amplitude of the fixed mirror beam;
A2= The amplitude of the moving mirror beam;

When the final amplitude is greater than A1 and A2, two beams are said to undergo
constructive interference. And destructive interference is said to take place if Af is less than
A1 and A2;
These two light beams will be in phase with each other on condition that their optical path
difference is the multiple of wavelength:
= n
And when the moving mirror change its position, the optical path difference will also
change. The distance which the moving mirror moves in an interferometer is called mirror
displacement, usually denoted with the Greek capital letter DELTA.

Note that optical path difference is twice mirror displacement because the light beam
traverses the extra distance twice.

A plot of light intensity versus optical path difference is called an interferogram, which

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means interference writing. An interferogram is fundamental measurement obtained by
FTIR spectrometer. Despite the Cos like shape makes the interferogram look like a light
wave, in fact, it measure the electrical signal whose unit is voltage.

To measure an interferogram using a Michelson interferometer the mirror is moved back

and forth once. This is called a scan. The interferograms measured while scanning are
Fourier transformed to yield a spectrum, hence the term Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
spectroscopy. There is a relationship between the frequency of a light wave and the
frequency of its corresponding interferogram as follows:
F = (2v)/c
Where
F = Fourier Frequency of the interferogram in Hertz

= Frequency of the light wave in Hertz

v = Moving mirror velocity (assumed constant) in cm/sec
c = The speed of light in cm/sec
The quantity F is sometimes called the Fourier frequency of an interferogram. With the
speed and frequency of certain light, its wavenumber can be determined. Thus the equation
above can be rewritten as:
F = 2vW
F = Frequency of the interferogram in Hertz
v = Moving mirror velocity (assumed constant) in cm/sec
W = Wavenumber in cm1
Rearranging:
W = F/2v
This shows that for each different wavenumber of light a different frequency interferogram
exists. Thus the different wavenumbers of light do not have to be separated in time or space
to be distinguished.

b) FTIR Performance Characterization

The FTIR spectrometer should be setup for optimal performance by choosing the
appropriate parameters and aligning the sample and optics.

i. Measuring Spectral Signal-to-Noise

Signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio: This is a critical value dependent n the other parameters

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 that should be minimized before performing experiments. It is checked by acquiring
back-to-back spectra under identical conditions and rationing those. S/N ratios can
be calculated by the OPUS software, and should be done for two frequency regions,
typically 2000-2200 cm-1 (the region with the least noise), and a second in a region
of interest, around 3000 cm-1, for example.

ii. Maximizing Absorbance Signal

This is done by choosing a particular IR absorption peak in the spectra in the sample
and following that by taking spectra as parameters are optimized.

c) Main FTIR Parameters

1. Total intensity: This is measured by the peak-to-peak voltage value on the

centerburst of the interferogram, which can be display in the computer screen as
other parameters are optimized and sample alignment is performed. It should be as
high as possible, but to not surpass the maximum value possible, about 4.5 V.
Tensor series spectrometer comes with the RockSolidTM interferometer that
incorporates dual retro-reflecting gold-coated cube corner mirrors in an inverted
double pendulum arrangement for maximum efficiency. Thus, this interferometer is
permanently aligned and extremely resistant against vibrations and thermal effects.
2. Iris opening: the iris opening should be optimized to obtain maximum throughput
while minimizing the beam size, to minimize the beam divergence. The original IR
beam is approximately 1" in diameter. Based on this value and the focal length of
the focusing mirrors, a divergence range at the sample could be calculated. Total
light throughput should also be kept at values low enough so the signal is
proportional to light intensity (there is a saturation of the detector at high light
fluences).
3. Scanning rate: the most interesting values available are xx m/s. Faster scanning
rates lead to faster data acquisition, but very fast scanning rates may lead to
increases in S/N. The maximum scanning rate should be chosen where noise levels
are not increased (this can be evaluated by taking S/N measurements for the
different scan rates using the same conditions).
4. Number of scans: to signal average. S/N ratios should be reduce as the square root
of the number of scans (needs to be checked), but too long data acquisition times
lead to drifts in IR background and in changes in the nature of the sample
(adsorption, etc.).

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 5. Resolution: High resolutions are needed to separate different IR peaks, but require
longer acquisition times (require further travel of the interferometer mirror),
introduce noise (from the wings of the interferogram), and may reduce total peak
signal intensity. Typical value is 4 cm-1, sufficient for surface adsorbates, but
sometimes 2 cm-1 is required.
6. MCT amplification: there are premaplifier gains (1, 2, 4, 8, automatic ,16), to be
set to optimize signal without saturating the centerburst. The gain at the centerburst
may be set separately (at a lower value) than for the rest (wings) of the
interferogram.
7. Post detector amplification. No post detector amplification for current instrument
settings.

d) Optical Alignment

Literally, IR card is used to help make the beam visible by human eyes and we can make
adjustment to the optical bench if the optical path is detectable. However, for the solid-
liquid IR setup it is not feasible due to the weak intensity of IR beam compared to the
ambient light. Minor alignments can be achieved by maximizing the IR intensity detected
by the detector.

e) Detector

i Types
Following are a list of frequently used IR detectors:
type Spectral Wavenumber
range(m) (cm-1)
Indium gallium arsenide(InGaAs) photodiode 0.72.6 143003800
Germanium photodiode 0.81.7 125005900
Lead sulfide (PbS) photoconductive 13.2 100003200
Lead selenide (PbSe) photoconductive 1.55.2 67001900
Indium antimonide (InSb) photoconductive 16.7 100001500
Indium arsenide (InAs) photovoltaic 13.8 100002600
Platinum silicide (PtSi) photovoltaic 15 100002000
Indium antimonide (InSb) photodiode 15.5 100001800
Mercury cadmium telluride (MCT, photoconductive 0.825 12500400

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 HgCdTe)
Mercury zinc telluride (MZT, photoconductive
HgZnTe)
Lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) pyroelectric
Triglycine sulfate (TGS and pyroelectric
DTGS)
1. Indium antimonide:
Indium antimonide is a crystalline compound made from Indium and antimony. The
indium antimonide detectors are sensitive between 15 m wavelengths. Indium
antimonide was a very common detector in the old, Single-detector mechanically
scanned thermal imaging systems.
2. MCT LN2 detector:
HgCdTe or mercury cadmium telluride is a ternary alloy with a tunable bandgap
spanning the shortwave infrared to the very long wave infrared regions. when it
absorbs infrared light, electrons are knocked loose creating an electrical current.
The more intense the infrared light, the larger the current. MCT detector can
response faster and is less noisy than detectors like DTGS.

ii Preparation
MCT need to be cooled down with liquid nitrogen right before use to reduce noise.
And it can last about 12 hours which means refill is not necessary in most cases.
Often right near the end of the cool down/filling process some of the LN2 will
geyser up out of the dewar, sometimes blowing the funnel out as well. This is
normal and signifies that one is near the end of the dewar cooling stabilization
process.

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 How a MCT detector is cooled with LN2

iii Maintenance
No daily maintenance is required for the detector. However, the Dewar has to be
sealed if you are not adding LN2 to prevent water from entering the detector. If that
happens, Whole detector has to be taken out from the optical bench and pump out
the water vapor inside.

f) Transmittance spectra

i Choice of Background Spectra

The background spectrum includes spectral contributions from the instrument
and the environment. Majority of the environment absorbance is due to water vapor
and CO2. And contribution of the instrument to the spectrum is called the instrument
response function including absorbance from the source, beam splitter, mirrors, and
detector.
A good background is of great significance to the sample measurement. As a result,
the absorbance peak of each species is supposed to maintain the same otherwise it
will lead to bad reproducibility.

g) OPUS Software

OPUS is a suite of software packages for the measurement, processing and evaluation of
IR/Raman spectra. The main OPUS window is shown below with Key icons and areas labeled.

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h) Spectra Acquisition
(a)

Click on the Advanced Measurement icon:

(b)
Check that the correct XPM experiment file is being used.
(c)
Type in the description of your sample as well as the name of file for your
spectra.
(d)
Set experiment parameters including resolution and background&sample
scans;
(e)
Go to Check Signal Tab making sure the ADC count is above 5000;
(f) choose the background single channel taking the background spectrum
without sample;
(g)
Choose the sample single channel and repeat the 6th step;
(h)
Save spectra and all the modifications made.

i) Maintenance

i IR Lamp

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 Beam Detection
IR beam is visible to human eyes with the help of IR Card which comes with the
spectrometer. Since the beam travels along with the laser that is easier to detect due
to its high intensity.
Intensity Measurement (N/A)
Cooling
The lamp has to be cooled down to room temperature before any maintenance.
Replacement
Tensor 27 spectrometer is provided with MIR source only. The MIR source is a
globar that emits middle-infrared light. The procedure for replace a defective MIR
source is described in its manual.

ii HeNe Laser

1. Measuring and Adjusting Signal Intensity(N/A)

Replacement
The interferometer is controlled by a HeNe laser which emits a red light with a
wavelength of 633 nm. Rated power output is 1mW and may cause eye injuries with
direct contact. In case of laser failure, the HeNe laser module is designed to be
easily replaced. The module is situated in the source/laser compartment. And
replacement procedure is described in detail in the manual.

2. Liquid and Gas Handling System

a. Schematics

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b. General Operational Procedure

1. Pressure inside the Main gas line is maintained below 3E-2 torr by continuous
pumping;
2. Close the valve connected to the pump and fill the gas line with argon. Purge the
tube for liquid/gas handling with argon to clean any liquid residue in the tube;
3. Inject liquid until the tube and cell are filled with liquid. The liquid is supposed to
enter the Cell form the bottom and the liquid outlet is on top of the cell; Due to the
position of liquid outlet, the cell is not able to be filled completely.
4. Introduce sample gas. Monitor the flow rate. If the flow rate is too high, you will run
out of the gas more quickly than expected and the evaporation of liquid will be
intensified which lead to a significant change in background.
5. Stop gas supply after certain time. Close the valves in the following order: Close
valves directly connected to the liquid tube first and then the gas manipulating
valves. This can help avoid contamination to the main gas lines.

c. Liquid and Gas and Liquid Sample Handling

i Liquids

1. Liquid injection is done with hypodermic syringe;

2. Check SOP for liquid used for the experiment.
3. If there is leaking from the tube or the cell, stop injection immediately.

ii Gases

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 1. Do not stop pumping even after experiment in that the pressure will increase slowly
(the gas line is not built for UHV system);
2. Pumping to lowest pressure before switch to a different gas which can prevent gases
from mixing together.
3. Gas exhaust is supposed to be connected to the lab vacuum.

d. Maintenance

1. Purge the liquid tube with Argon after each experiment. Liquid residue may as well
corrode the plastic tube and valve.
2. Gas exhaust bottle will be filled with liquid from the cell and tube after several test.
Spill out the liquid mixture properly.

3. Optical Path, Purge Box

a. General Description, Schematics

Purging box is purged with dry air all the time and the optical bench is set on a base
plate inside the box. Following is a brief figure about optical components in the
purging box:

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b. Setup

There two upper lids on the top of purging gas and usually one of them can be
opened for maintenance of the optical parts or minor adjustment to the optical path.

c. Opening and Closing of Purge Box

One of the two upper lids can be opened as mentioned above. And on the left side
there is a window for mounting the liquid-solid cell and connecting tube to the cell.
The purge box should be sealed except the purging gas outlet.

d. Polarizer

The polarizer is designed to generate a linear polarized light. And polarization

orientation can be changed as the polarizer is rotated by 90o. Literally, we can obtain
polarized IR beam of which the orientation is parallel or perpendicular to the
reflection surface.

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e. Maintenance

1. All the optical surfaces have to be cleaned and free from contamination. No direct
touch is recommended;
2. Purge the box properly. Higher purging rate can suppress the water peak but will
render CO2 peak stronger.
3. Its not necessary for frequent alignment once all the optics are set in the right
position and well mounted.

4. Liquid/Solid RAIRS Cell

a. General Description, Schematics

This liquid/solid RAIRS cell is designed for RAIRS characterization of molecules

adsorbed on metal (e.g., Pt) surfaces immersed in liquid phases. The cell is equipped
with a counter electrode (Pt wire) for electrochemical surface cleaning (2 electrodes
method). Liquid can be set to flow through the cell, and gas can be bubbled in for
purging or to induce adsorption or reactions. This cell is equivalent to those used for
studies on electrode surfaces, except for the absence of the reference electrode.

A diagram of the RAIRS liquid/solid cell is provided below:

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b. Potentiostat

Potentiostat is used for cleaning the platinum disk via electrochemical method. For
inert surface like Cu and gold, this step is not always necessary.

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c. Initial Setup

1. Rebuild the cell after cleaning:

a. Insert the sample rod into the Teflon cell until both O-rings are inside and you
reach a position below the upper part of the cell, where the CaF2 is placed.
b. Keep a clearance of several mm between the sample and prism faces.
c. Mount the CaF2 into the IR cell.
d. The flat part of the bolts should be facing the CaF2 crystal, as shown in the
Figure below.

Teflon cell

Bolt

CaF2
Pt crystal

e. Lightly tighten the nuts to the bolts. Dont use too much strength.
f. Make sure CaF2 window can completely cover the big O-ring to avoid any
leaking. Also, when mounting the CaF2, window, be careful not to bump it
against the nuts or bolts, which will damage the CaF2!
g. If there is any damage on the CaF2, rotate the CaF2 square to place the dent in
the top position. This should prevent the liquid in the cell from leaking out.
h. Finish rebuilding the cell up.
2. Mount the cell onto the rotation-linear positioning stage in the FTIR compartment
(outside the FTIR instrument, in the purged Plexiglas box).
3. There are two Swagelok connectors in the IR cell. These connectors may be
unintentionally rotated, so please check and make sure the side of that square is
exactly parallel to the aluminum cell holder. That way, the cell can be put exactly in
the right place.
4. Connect the cables from electrochemical instrument to the lead wires of sample and
reference electrodes. No electrical power should be supplied to the electrodes at this
time; the power switch should be turned off.
5. Connect the tubes of cell to the manifold. The lower tube should be connected to
gas-inlet (from gas cylinders) and the upper tube is for exhaust.
6. Fill the gas wash bottles in the gas manifold with the same solvent (usually water)

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 that you use in the cell.

d. Back Surface (Sample) Pretreatment

Metal surfaces are typically pretreated by cleaning them using an electrochemical

procedure:

1. Introduce the pretreatment solution into the cell through the inlet tube using a
syringe. 0.1 to 1.0 mol/dm3 KClO4 or HClO4 are typical used for the pretreatment of
Pt samples. Use a Micro-mate interchangeable hypodermic syringe (see Materials
sections for further detail).
2. Flow purging gas into the cell. Ar or He is usually used, but H2 may also be needed
to reduce and activate the surface. A flow rate of 1-10 cm3/min is usually sufficient.
The flow rate can be monitored with gas exhaust monitoring bottle. By counting the
bubbling speed, flow rate can be estimated with the tube diameter known. And there
are two valves for adjusting flow rate one of which for fine adjustment and the other
for rough. Usually a rate of 0.85 cm3/min, that is, one bubble per second is good, but
note that may depend on the inner diameter of the tubes used.
3. Flow rates may be measured by connecting a soap film flowmeter or syringe to the
exhaust tube, or estimated by measuring the number of bubbles detected after a set
number of minutes. The bubbling rate is not critical during the purging process, and
does not have to be precisely controlled. A flow rate of about 1 bubble/second is
reasonable.
4. Check that the output current dial of the power supply for the electrochemical cell is
zero and that the output switch is off.
5. The output monitor terminal should be connected to an oscilloscope or meter.
6. Turn the power switch on
7. Turn the output switch on.
8. Increase the current to the desired value by turning the dial. The current, I, is
expressed as I(mA) = 10 E(V), where E is the voltage at the output monitor terminal.
Typically, 10-20 mA is recommended for a 10 mm diameter sample.
9. Check the frequency of the oxidationreduction cycling (ORC) in the oscilloscope.
It should be about 0.1-1 Hz, and the wave should be sinusoidal.
10.
Maintain the current through the cell until the sample is clean. 30-60 min may be
enough to have clean and active surface
11.
Probe the cleanliness of the surface by performing CO removal and re-adsorption

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 experiments. An example of what is expected on Pt surfaces is illustrated in the
Figure below.

12.
Decrease the current to zero by turning the dial down.
13.
Turn the output switch off to open the electrical circuit.
14.
Stop the flow of the purging gas.

e. Beam Alignment

If the cell is always mounted on the just position within the FTIR compartment, you
typically will not need to align the optics. However, if the cell is misaligned, perform the
following steps:

In additions, the position of the surface within the cell also needs to be optimized:

1. Press the sample to the prism until you cannot travel further within the micrometer.

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 This step requires some practice: if pressed too tightly, the CaF2 window may break,
but if pressed too loosely the quality of spectra will be compromised.
a. The peak-to-peak value in the centerbusrt of the interferogram needs to be
optimized.
b. Possible interferences from the liquid solution trapped in between Pt and CaF2
needs to be minimized.
2. Note the position of sample by recording the value in the micrometer. This position
should be used for all measurements within a set of experiments.
3. For trapped powder catalysts, the position of sample cannot be changed, adjustment
can be achieved by move the cell back and forth along the axis of micrometer but
DO NOT rotate the cell.
4. Be careful to avoid pushing the CaF2 window forward during the adjustment of the
sample position, in which case the cell and sample position may need to be
readjusted.
5. Fill in the MCT detector of the FTIR with liquid nitrogen.
6. Turn the MCT preamplifier on.
7. Set the FTIR parameters for RAIRS measurement.
a) choose MeasurementAdvanced Measurement from the menu;
b)
In the popup window, choose basic tab and set the file name for your spectra and
choose the directory for file saving.
c) Set the following parameters under Optic tab:
Source setting: MIR; Beam splitter: KBr; Optical filter setting: Open;
Aperture Setting: 6mm; Measurement channel: Right Exit;
Detector Setting: LN-MCT Narrow [External]; sample&background gain: Auto:
d)
Set the following parameters in Advanced tab:
Sample scan time; Background scan time; Save data from __to__;
Result spectrum: transmittance; resolution: 4cm-1
And rest of the procedures have been described in the OPUS software part;
8. Display the centerburst of the interferogram on the CRT monitor of the computer or
in the oscilloscope connected to the preamplifier of the MCT detector.
9. Tune the position of the mirrors gently until reaching maximum centerburst peak-to-
peak intensity. Adjust the mirrors in the order which IR beam travels through them.
That is, the pre-sample mirror first and then the next two mirrors. If one mirrors has
changed its position, all the mirrors behind have to be adjusted. Literally there will
not be adjustment for the sample cell. Skip this step if the peak-to-peak intensity is
already reasonable.

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 10.
If alignment is off, more severe alignment may be required. In that case:
a. Place a thermally-sensitive film at the position of the surface, and optimize its
position by observing and maximizing the color change (and minimizing the
spot size). Note that these films are usually not sensitive enough to detect the
collimated IR beam, only the spot at the focal point.
b. Alternatively, turn off the lights in the room and use a piece of soft Kimwipes
to show the path of laser beam.
11.
Check interferograms for both p and s polarizations.

f. Cell Cleaning

The cell should be cleaned after daily use. Perform the following procedure:

1. Disassemble the CaF2 prism, Teflon main body, and sample holder (or you can say
sample rod). First, screw out the two nuts and dissemble prism from the cell. And
then the micrometer as well as sample rod can be extracted from the PTFE cell. And
to assemble them is just the other way around. Put them on a table (which should be
covered by soft paper).
2. Rinse all pieces with water (DI or Millipore-Q) or other solvents. Use of soap or
similar compounds is not recommended for daily cleaning because of residues that
would remain on the inner wall. Acidic detergents such as Liqui-NOX, available in
the Chemistry Stockroom, should also be avoided, as they corrode the Al material,
making the metal become gray, and produces numerous small wholes on the metal
(in particular when you use Liqui-NOX dissolved in hot water).
3. The Viton O-rings can also be corroded by acetone.
4. To clean the main body:
a. Put into a big glass beaker.
b. Pour some water in the beaker, and ultrasonicate the piece in the water bath
for 1-2 h to clean the cell.
c. Rinse out the residual liquid in the cell with DI water.
d. Immerse the cell into the beaker containing water.
e. Ultrasonicate for ten minutes
f. Dispose of the dirty water
g. Add new water
h. Ultrasonic again.
i. Several ultrasonication treatments may be needed for thorough cleaning.

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 5. To clean the CaF2 windows:
a. Before wiping the CaF2 with tissue, one need to dry ones hands by using
soft paper, then use tissue to wipe the CaF2.
b. Wipe and dry the faces of CaF2 prism with soft papers (Kim-wipe or lens
cleaning papers) and dry-air, respectively.
c. Don't use a hair drier or a hot air gun to dry.
d. The prism is easily broken by thermal shock.
e. When done with the experiments, safely store the prism in a sealed container
filled with dry air. Dont leave it outside on the work bench.
f. Note: before putting the window in IR the machine, make sure it is dry,
otherwise water vapor will reach the IR machine and will interfer with the
spectra.
g. Acidic solutions may damage the CaF2 surfaces and make them very foggy,
and therefore should be avoided. Also, dont use any hot water to clean the
CaF2 window! That will damage them as well.
h. Treat the CaF2 windows carefully, avoid scratching them. Eventually, they
may need to be polished. The prism is polished by technician and it will lead
to worse scratch if not polished appropriately.
6. The rest of the equipment can be left drying on the workbench or inside the hood
overnight.

g. Long Term maintenance

The surface of the CaF2 prism becomes cloudy after long time usage. When that is the case:

1. Carefully wipe the surface of the prism using a Kim-wipe or a lens cleaning paper
and a small amount of diamond paste. However, this should be avoided when at all
possible.
2. If the corrosion of the surface is extensive, the prism should be re-polished by
sending it to the manufacturer, or replaced for a new one.
3. Note that if the experiments are carried out properly and carefully, the CaF2 should
remain in fine condition even after one year of daily use.

The surface of the metal used for the experiments may also require re-polishing if it looses
its mirror shin:

1. Light polishing with a diamond paste can be used to remove scratches.

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 2. If the surface is heavy damaged, polish it by following a conventional mirror
polishing method:
a. First polish the Pt surface with a diamond paste with slightly bigger diamond
size (e.g., 1 micrometer, 0.5 micrometer). Make sure that you use o flat
surface and keep the Pt disk pressed evenly against the polishing surface to
avoid bowing the surface.
b. Finish by polishing it with the smallest diamond powder size available (e.g.,
0.25 micrometer, concentration = medium).
c. Remove the majority of the residual diamond paste on the metal surface by
gently wiping it with an acetone-soaked tissue.
d. Remove the two O-rings on the sample rod (to avoid their corrosion).
e. Immerse the Pt sample rod in pure ethanol for approximately one hour.
f. Thoroughly clean the Pt sample by using a water ultrasonic treatment several
times.
g. Clean the Pt surface by using acetone (ultrasonic treatment) for
approximately half an hour.
h. Replace the O-rings on the rod.
i. You may need to remove the sample from the PTFE holder if severe
polishing is required.

5. Typical Experiment Sequence

a. Initial Steps

1. Sign in in the logbook

2. Start up the OPUS program

b. Setup

i. RAIRS of Species Adsorbed on Back Surface

1. Clean the surface using the electrochemical cycling described above.

2. Pull the sample back and flush with the pure solvent.
3. Optimize the IR Cell position by aligning the cell and beam if needed.

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4. Test gas purging within the box by acquiring IR spectra. Take consecutive spectra
and ratio them, until no (or minimal) changes in the water vapor and CO2 IR peaks
are seen.
5. Acquire background spectra with both s- and p- polarized light.

ii. Transmission IR of Suspended Powders

1. Place powder in IR cell as described :Screw the micrometer out that and transfer the
sample in the copper disk; put the prism on top of the O-ring and fix the prism; No
physical touch between the sample and prism at this time; screw the micrometer in
until powder sample is trapped in between;
2. DO NOT pull the sample back and flush with the pure solvent. Introduce inert gas
like Argon to push the solvent out of the cell and then flush sample with fresh
solvent or the expected solution.
3. Optimize the IR Cell position by aligning the cell and beam if needed.
4. Test gas purging within the box by acquiring IR spectra. Take consecutive spectra
and ratio them, until no (or minimal) changes in the water vapor and CO2 IR peaks
are seen.
5. Acquire background spectra with both s- and p- polarized light.
6. It is advisable to take several (~3) background spectra, to later pick the one that
yields the flatter and less noisy spectra. Spectra should take at different sample
positions around the value in the micrometer to be used for the experiments to assure
having the right background during data processing.

c. Exposure to Adsorbate and Sample Spectrum Acquisition

1. For single crystal sample and platinum disk, pull out sample several mm away from
prism. Loose the micrometer and pull the sample rod by hand. For powder catalysts,
introduce inert gas into the cell so that previous solvent can be pushed out of the
cell. Flush the sample with new solvent or certain solution for several times.
2. Introduce the sample liquid by using a syringe (volume of the cell designed by Alex
is 2ml and 10ml for the older one). The previous liquid will be flushed out.
3. Disconnect the exhaust tube and collect the flushed liquid in a bottle for waste
chemicals.
4. Bubble the purging gas if needed, an inert gas (Ar, N2), or H2, as indicated before.
5. If characterizing the adsorption of dissolved gases, bubble that gas in the solution.
6. Wait a fixed time, typically 30 min for trapped powder catalyst, then turn off the gas

26
 bubbling (the flow of the purging gas should be stopped during the spectral
measurement).
7. Press the sample against the prism, placing it at the same distance used in the initial
setup, the same used to acquire the background spectra.
8. Acquire s- and p- polarized spectra.
9. Pull the sample out again away from the prism and prepare for the next experiment.

d. Final Steps

1. Log out of the OPUS software.

2. Flush the cell.
3. Check that the flow of all gasses in the manifold is stopped.
4. Close the regulator valves in the gas cylinders if necessary.
5. Clean and disassemble the cell.
6. Wash and store the parts.
7. Wash the gas flushing bottles in the manifold.
8. Also clean the syringe and all other glassware.
9. The CaF2 prism should be cleaned and dried before storage. Store it in a dry box
(desiccator).
10.
The main body and sample holder of the cell should be kept in a dry and clean place
after washing.
11.
Sign out in the logbook.

e. Data Processing

Since it is NOT possible to obtain pure p or s polarized spectrum. Literally, the best
solution is using P/S ratio with sample in the cell over P/S back ground spectra without
sample. The sample here is not the powder catalyst but the adsorbate. Or you can do
(P(with adsorbate)/P(without adsorbate))/ (S(with adsorbate)/S(without adsorbate)) and
you should get same spectra because these two methods are the same mathematically.

7. Suggested Training for Beginners

27
8. Materials

a. General Elements

1. CaF2 Windows (Prisms).

CaF2 60 degrees Trapezoid Prism (30x30x12 mm)
Part # 07-7040
CAS # 7789-75-5
Reflex Analytical Corp.
www.reflexusa.com
TEL (201) 444-8958, FAX (201) 670-6737

2. Micrometer.
SM Series Vernier Micrometer (13 mm moving)
MODEL # SM-13LH
Newport Research Corp.
www.newport.com
Fountain Valley, CA
TEL (800) 222-6440

3. Viton O-rings
Viton O-rings, AS568A, Dash N0. 012
CAT # 9464K17
McMaster-Carr
www.mcmaster.com
TEL (562) 692-5911

b. Electrochemical System

1. RE-6 Reference Electrode.

Part # MF-2078 (on box) MW2030 (on each case), Assembly 04/05/02
Bioanalytical System.
www.bioanalytical.com
2701 Kent Ave.
West Lafayette, IN, 47906

28
 TEL (765) 463-4527, FAX (765) 497-1102.

2. Ag/AgCl Electrode.
Ag/AgCl electrode (Saturated KCl)
Part # 11-2058, RE-1C 55x6 mm
Bas Inc.
www.basj.com
TEL 81-3-3624-0367, FAX 81-3-3624-0940

3. Potentiostat
Home made by Dr. Jun Kubota. See Figure at the end of this section.

4. Magnetic Tape
High-Energy Flexible Magnetic Strip Adhesive Back, 1/8" Thick, 1/2" Width
CAT # 5769K62
McMaster-Carr
www.mcmaster.com
TEL (562) 692-5911

c. Liquid Handling

1. PTFE tubing
PTFE 1/32 industrial Tubing Natural
CAT # U-06407-41
LOT # 0436167-1
Cole-Parmer Instrument Company
www.coleparmer.com
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
TEL (847) 549-7600, (800) 323-4340

2. Syringe used to inject liquid

Micro-mate Interchangeable Hypodermic syringe.
DESC 20 cc, Glass Tip
REF 5039
LOT # B/502338-404-5
Popper & Sons Inc
New Hyde Park, NY 11040

29
 TEL (516) 248-0300, FAX (516) 747-1188

3. Tube Fittings
Miniature fluid flow fitting for use in fluid flow tubing system equipped with
patterned Elast-O-Fluor Seal
Mini-Male Pipe Adapter, 1/16-1/8 NPT, D1072007
Part # 06391-85
Lot # 101104
B # CW02837
L242-GBS

Part # 06391-85
Lot # 111302
B # CW02111
L242-GBS

Part # 06391-80
Lot # 040302
B # CW01866
L72-GBS

4. Metering Valves
CAT # 142513, B-SS4
Swagelock
www.swagelock.com
TEL (858) 320-4000

d. Polishing Materials

1. Polishing cloth
7/8 Trident PSA: 20 pieces per package
CAT# 40-7502
Buehler LTD
41 Waukegen Rd.
Lake Bluff, IL 60044

2. Diamond Pastes

30
Diamond Compounds (in OH).
Carler Diamond Corp.
TEL (800) 628-8665, (440) 946-7800

31