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Published on: February 1, 2020
Molecule-enhanced surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (MOSEIRA)
Edward M Kosower1, Gil Markovich, Galina Borz
1School of Chemistry, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel. kosower@post.tau.ac.il
Summary
Surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRA) reveals molecular organization on silver halide fibers. This technique, called MOSEIRA, enhances signals from alcohol oligomers, offering new insights into surface interactions.
Area of Science:
- Spectroscopy
- Surface Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy amplifies weak IR signals from molecules adsorbed on metal surfaces.
- Understanding molecular interactions and organization at surfaces is crucial in various chemical and physical processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structure and dynamics of alcohol oligomers on planar silver halide (AgX) fibers using SEIRA.
- To explore the phenomenon of molecule-enhanced SEIRA (MOSEIRA) and its contribution to signal enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel infrared spectroscopy cell with a planar AgX fiber supporting 20 reflections.
- Employed rapid 1-second scans under slow N2 flow to capture dynamic changes in thin films of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol.
- Analyzed absorbance-time plots to identify spectral features and intensity enhancements.
Main Results:
- Observed significant signal enhancements (3x) attributed to alcohol oligomers (MOSEIRA) on the AgX surface, in addition to amplification and enhancement effects.
- Demonstrated the evolution of ethanol spectra from pentameric to smaller oligomers and monomers over time (8-10 minutes).
- Confirmed the formation of surface-induced organized species, such as ethanol oligomers, within the evanescent wave region.
Conclusions:
- MOSEIRA provides a powerful method for studying surface-induced molecular organization and dynamics.
- The AgX planar fiber cell enables detailed investigation of volatile substances and solvent effects.
- SEIRA spectroscopy on AgX fibers offers a new avenue for understanding interfacial phenomena.
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