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UV-Vis Spectroscopic Characterization of Nanomaterials in Aqueous Media

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Published on: October 25, 2021

An attenuated total reflectance far-UV spectrometer.

Noboru Higashi¹, Akifumi Ikehata, Yukihiro Ozaki

¹KURABO Industries Ltd., 14-5 Shimokida-cho, Neyagawa 572-0823, Japan.

The Review of Scientific Instruments

|November 6, 2007

Summary

A new ultraviolet spectrometer using attenuated total reflection (ATR) enables far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectral measurements of water and other solvents. This innovative technique overcomes strong solvent absorption, allowing detailed analysis below 170 nm.

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Area of Science:

Spectroscopy
Physical Chemistry
Optics

Background:

Far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectroscopy is limited by strong solvent absorption, particularly in water.
The n --> sigma(*) transition in water molecules causes high absorptivity, hindering spectral measurements below 170 nm.
Traditional transmission methods struggle with short optical path lengths in the FUV region.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and test an ultraviolet spectrometer utilizing attenuated total reflection (ATR) for FUV spectral analysis.
To overcome the limitations of solvent absorption in FUV spectroscopy.
To enable spectral measurements of aqueous and nonaqueous solutions in the 140-300 nm range.

Main Methods:

Development of a novel miniature internal reflection element (IRE) probe made of sapphire.
Utilizing the evanescent wave generated by total internal reflection for spectral measurements.
Testing the spectrometer with liquid water (light and heavy) and nonaqueous solvents in the FUV region.

Main Results:

The ATR spectrometer successfully measured spectra down to 140 nm, capturing the entire n --> sigma(*) transition absorption band of water.
Obtained ATR-FUV spectra showed excellent agreement with Fresnel formula calculations.
The technique proved effective for nonaqueous solvents with high FUV absorptivity.

Conclusions:

The developed ATR-based ultraviolet spectrometer effectively overcomes FUV solvent absorption limitations.
This method allows for meaningful spectral measurements in the FUV region with shorter effective path lengths.
The sapphire IRE probe is suitable for analyzing a wide range of solvents in the FUV spectrum.