Application Notes
Application Note, Catalysis, Chemicals
Dynamic Gas-Solid Surface Interactions for Dry Reforming of Methane via In-Situ DRIFTS Analysis
Application note no. AN25-03 Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a process that takes two major greenhouse gases, methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), and converts them into syngas — a useful mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen that can be turned into fuels and chemicals. To make this process...
Application Note, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals
Characterizing the Formation of Polyethyleneimide-based Polymer-DNA Nanoparticle Complexes for Improved Gene and Drug Delivery Applications
Polyethyleneimines (PEIs) are widely explored as non-viral vectors for gene and drug delivery because of their ability to condense nucleic acids into nanoparticles, known as polyplexes. Compared with viral vectors, PEIs offer several advantages, including lower immunogenicity, greater loading capacity, and reduced production costs. Despite these benefits, their clinical application...
Alcohol & Food, Application Note
Analysis of Adulterated Olive Oil using the Specac Pearl Liquid Transmission Accessory
The Pearl is the ideal tool for sampling and testing viscous liquids. (more…)
Application Note, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals
Proving infrared spectroscopy workflows for GLP-1 agonists with the Harrick ConcentratIR2 ATR Accessory
Ensuring the integrity and consistency of peptide therapeutics at low concentrations is a growing analytical challenge in pharmaceutical development, particularly in the context of GLP-1 drug formulation, where protein-based active ingredients may need to be monitored at the µg/mL level. (more…)
Application Note, Chemicals, Materials
FTIR Analysis of ZnO Thin Films Deposited by Spatial ALD
Application note no. 21182 Spatial atomic layer deposition is an emerging method for rapid, scalable deposition of thin films with nanoscale thickness control. As the applications for nanoscale thin films and SALD continue to grow, so does the need for quick and efficient methods of analysis. FTIR analysis of thin...
Application Note, Catalysis, Chemicals
High-Temperature DRIFTS and Raman Studies of CO2 and Methane Conversion Catalysts for Electrochemical Cells Using Harrick Scientific Products DRIFTS Chamber
Application note no. 21183 Understanding the catalytic mechanisms for CO2 and methane conversion in high-temperature electrochemical cells, such as protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) and protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs), is critical for improving energy efficiency and mitigating greenhouse gases. The use of in situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform...
Application Note, Catalysis, Chemicals, Materials
Coupled XAS-Raman operando analysis of TiO2 supported oxomolybdate catalysts
Application note no. 91201 Catalytic selective oxidation of methanol is used to produce valuable products such as dimethoxymethane (DMM), methylformate (MF) or formaldehyde. In order to understand the structure-reactivity relationships, a relevant approach consists in examining the catalyst while operating. The so-called operando approach has attracted attention and is applied...
Application Note, Catalysis, Chemicals, Materials
Methanol conversion over TiO2 supported oxomolybdate catalysts using Raman spectroscopy.
Application note no. 701204 Catalytic selective oxidation of methanol is used to produce valuable products such as dimethoxymethane (DMM), methylformate (MF) or formaldehyde. The reactions involved are relevant for investigating both redox and acidic properties of a catalyst system. Raman spectroscopy makes it possible to analyze the active phase structure...
Application Note, Materials, Polymers
Size-dependent optical gap shifts in dynamic MOF nanocrystals
Application note no. 21173 Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a popular subject of research. They are porous coordination polymers made up of organic linkers and inorganic modes in a crystalline arrangement. It is anticipated that the optical properties of MOFs can be tuned by changing the balance of tight and...
Application Note, Materials, Polymers
Elucidating novel reactivity of Ni2+ in an air sensitive MOF using Diffuse UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy
Application note no. 21127 Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a popular subject of research. They are porous coordination polymers made up of organic linkers and inorganic modes in a crystalline arrangement. Wavelengths of light near the visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared range are absorbed by transition metal ions in the structure...
Application Note, Catalysis, Chemicals
Active Site Titration for CO oxidation catalyzed by Pt/SiO2 using DRIFTS
Application note no. 21171 When doing studies on model catalytic systems, surface science techniques can provide detailed insights into the reaction pathways for complex reactions. Translating from ultra-high vacuum to ambient pressures (~10-10 to 760 Torr), cryogenic to reaction temperatures (often hundreds of degrees Celsius), and from planar single-crystals to...
Application Note, Catalysis, Chemicals
Resolving transient responses of catalyst systems using a low-volume DRIFTS reactor
Application note no. 21176 A detailed understanding of the reaction kinetics for solid-gas heterogeneous catalysis aids the design of future catalyst systems for efficient chemical production and energy production. Modulation excitation spectroscopy (MES) combined with Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) is a technique that has potential to uncover...
Application Note, Catalysis, Chemicals
Pulse Chemisorption in a Low Volume DRIFTS Reactor
Application note no. 21177 Spectroscopy experiments such as modulation excitation spectroscopy (MES) that characterize the transient responses of catalytic materials and determine the kinetics and mechanisms of the catalytic process. Reaction cells with low "dead volume" are needed to reduce the amount of time for introduction and removal of reactants...
Application Note, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals
Microvolume Analysis of Animal Biofluid Samples with the Harrick ConcentratIR2 ATR Accessory
Reports on the use of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for analyzing biofluids (such as saliva, blood, and urine), tissues, and cells are growing rapidly. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of the Harrick ConcentratIR2™, a multi-reflection diamond ATR accessory, in analyzing minimal volumes of wild type mice urine....
Application Note, Catalysis, Chemicals
H-13778 In Situ Investigation of Catalytic Reactions on CuO-Based Catalysts by Raman and Diffuse Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy
Raman spectroscopy and mid-infrared diffuse reflection (DR) spectroscopy have different, and highly complementary, roles in the study of catalytic reactions. In general, Raman spectroscopy does not have enough sensitivity to allow the investigation of molecules that are adsorbed on the surface of powdered oxide catalysts, but is usually sensitive enough...
Application Note, Process Chemistry
(Process Cells) AN24-03: Optimising process NIR analysis with the tuneable-pathlength Spyder™ process flow cell
In this article, we demonstrate the feasibility of measuring water in acetone by NIR spectroscopy at various pathlengths using an adjustable Spyder™ process flow cell, as a prelude to full-scale implementation of NIR process analysis on a production line. (more…)
Application Note, Process Chemistry
(Process Cells) AN24-02: Continuous Industrial Acetic Acid Production Process Monitoring using the Vortex™ process flow cell
Find out how Specac can aid your industrial process adding continuous monitoring to your flow reaction. (more…)
Application Note, Process Chemistry
(Process Cells) AN24-01: Monitoring Tall Oil Distillation using a Vortex™ process flow cell
Learn about the chemical information that can be derived from Near-infrared measurement of Tall Oil refinery processes. (more…)
Application Note, Pharmaceuticals
AN23-03: Quantifying Simeticone in OTC medications with the Pearl
In this note: Quantification of the Active Pharmaceutical Product (API) in a finished product is vital to ensure the end consumer gets the correct dosage of the drug. Too little and the desired effect may not be achieved, too much and there is a risk of overdose. Fourier Transform Infrared...
Application Note
AN23-01: Bringing hands-on education to STEM with Omni-Cell
In this note: We explore some examples of physical and chemical concepts that can be demonstrated with easy-to-use and accessible equipment such as the Omni-Cell. There are many basic principles of spectroscopy that can be demonstrated with a simple transmission cell, from measuring interference fringes to determining the spectroscopic fingerprint...
Application Note, Inks & pigments, Polymers
AN23-02 Using a press to test the “Blocking” properties of printed films
Films are widely used as packaging material in a large number of industries. In the food, confectionary and pharmaceutical industries in particular, presentation plays a major part in advertising and promotion of products via effective packaging. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note, XRF
Preparation is the key to success: optimising workflows for pressed pellet preparation
In busy XRF laboratories that are working constantly to make samples for XRF and other elemental analyses, pellet preparation is essential for quick turnover of samples and ease of sample handling. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
Theory Articles
Learn more about theory of FTIR, XRF, Polarization and NIR Process monitoring in this set of articles covering the basics through to advanced topics. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
TN21-05 Why Would I Use A Polarizer In Spectroscopy?
In this issue: Discover the uses of polarization in spectroscopy. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
TN21-04 Transmission Cell Windows Spectral Range
In this issue: Learn about the different window materials available for use in Specac products, including the Omni-Cell, Pearl, High-Temperature High-Pressure (HTHP) and Heatable Liquid Cells. (more…)
Alcohol & Food, Application Note
Separation of butter into phases with the Quest™ Heated Puck
Find out how the Heated Puck can be used to investigate the separation of butter when heated using ATR Spectroscopy. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
(P6 Mill) Using the P6 Mill for XRF Sample Preparation
Grind samples down into microns using the Fritsch P6 Planetary mill. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
(Pearl-Omni Transmission) Traditional Omni-Cell vs. Pearl accessory
The Pearl is much faster and more reliable than other liquid IR analysis accessories. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
(Pearl Transmission) Pathlength Repeatability
Stability in pathlength repeatability allows the Pearl to be used in the accurate study of liquids. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
(Pearl Transmission) Overcoming trapped vapours in the Pearl
Blow away volatiles with the Specac-Puffer. (more…)
Application Note, Life Sciences
(Liquid Transmission Cell) AN18-06: Investigating Protein Conformational and Structural Changes Using Transmission FTIR
The in-situ characterization of protein unfolding, including intermediate conformations is the holy grail for a host of biological questions. (more…)
Application Note, Catalysis, Chemicals
Supported Ni catalysts in action: operando infrared spectroscopy unravels CO₂ activation over Ni in Specac’s HTHP cell
in-situ reduction and FTIR analysis of Ni catalysts using a High Temperature / High Pressure cell. (more…)
Adhesives, paints, & coatings, Application Note
(HTHP Transmission) AN21-07: In-situ high temperature, high pressure analysis of resin-based adhesives for prediction of final properties
Discover a method for high temperature, high pressure analysis of viscous resins and pastes. (more…)
Application Note, Fuels
(HTHP Transmission) AN21-01: Analysis of Coal Samples in a High Temperature High Pressure Transmission Cell
Find out how the HT/HP cell has been used to investigate the impact of heating coal samples on its oxygen content. (more…)
Adhesives, paints, & coatings, Application Note
(Golden Gate ATR) AN21-10: Rapid Reaction Monitoring of UV Cured adhesives with the Specac High Temperature Golden Gate® ATR
Learn how the High Temperature Golden Gate™ ATR has been used with a fast time‑resolved IR laser spectrometer. (more…)
Adhesives, paints, & coatings, Application Note
(Golden Gate ATR) AN21-06: Study of Polymerization Kinetics of Dental Materials using the Golden Gate® ATR
Investigate chemical composition of dental bonding systems and to assess their photolytic polymerization kinetics. (more…)
Application Note, Pharmaceuticals
(Golden Gate ATR) AN15-04: ATR Analysis of the Relative Concentrations of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients using the Golden Gate® ATR
Find out how the relative quantitative ATR analysis of solids is possible. (more…)
Application Note, Life Sciences
(Golden Gate ATR) AN15-01: Golden Gate® ATR Study of Poisonous Hairs Obtained from the Crested Rat
Find out how the Golden Gate has been applied to the study of Crested Rat hair. (more…)
Application Note, Life Sciences
(Gateway ATR) AN15-02: FTIR Analysis of Biological Yeast Cells using the Gateway ATR
Learn how the Gateway ATR can yield spectroscopic information on low concentration biological samples. (more…)
Application Note, Polymers
(CTFM & Press) AN19-03: Polymer Sample Preparation using the Specac Constant Thickness Film Maker Part 2
Learn how to release strongly adhering polymers from the Al foil when it will not simply peel away. (more…)
Application Note, Polymers
(CTFM & Press) AN19-02: Polymer Sample Preparation using the Specac Constant Thickness Film Maker Part 1
See how you can form reproducible constant thickness films. (more…)
Application Note, Materials
(Autotouch Press) AN21-11: Cold Compaction of Metal Matrix Composites using the Autotouch Press
Cold compaction of aluminium matrix composites using a precision programmable hydraulic press. (more…)
Application Note, Environmental
(Atmos Gas Transmission) AN18-08: Analyzing Car Exhaust Fumes with the Atmos Gas cell
Your final destination for high spectral throughput, low spectral noise analysis of trace gases. (more…)
Adhesives, paints, & coatings, Application Note
(Arrow ATR) AN21-05: Watching Paint Dry, ultra-long duration experiments using the Arrow™ consumable ATR
Find out how Arrow™ can help you quantify food and drink content in seconds with zero cleaning between samples. (more…)
Adhesives, paints, & coatings, Application Note
(Arrow ATR) AN20-02: Multi-day Batch Reaction Monitoring of Packaging Adhesives with the Arrow™ consumable ATR
Find out how Arrow™ opens the door to routine batch ATR in multiple day experiments and handle difficult to clean samples. (more…)
Alcohol & Food, Application Note
Rapid determination of alcohol content using the Arrow™ consumable ATR slide
Find out how Arrow™ can help you quantify food and drink content in seconds with zero cleaning between samples. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
TN21-01 Basics of ATR Spectroscopy
In this issue: Learn about the basic theory of attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
TN21-03 ATR Crystal Choice and Quest Puck Guide
In this issue: Learn about the different uses of internal reflection element (IRE) for ATR spectroscopy and the Quest puck styles available. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
TN21-02 ATR Penetration Depth
In this issue: This note compares the pathlengths of IR light within a sample in transmission or in contact with the internal reflection element (IRE) of an ATR. (more…)
Application Note, Environmental, Polymers
(Quest ATR) AN19-04: Detection of Polymer Impurities in Recycled Plastics using Chemometric Analysis of ATR Spectroscopy
Learn how the Specac Quest™ can be used to quickly identify impurities in your plastic materials. (more…)
Application Note, Cannabis, legal highs, & drugs
Analyze Narcotics, Legal Highs and Cutting Agents using Quest ATR
Drugs and cutting agents are easy to identify with the Specac Quest™. (more…)
Application Note, Pharmaceuticals
(Quest ATR) AN16-03: Pharmacopoeia compliance with the Quest™ ATR
Discover the capabilities of diamond ATR in pharmaceutical industry. (more…)
Application Note, Chemicals
(Quest Heated ATR) AN21-09: Phase Behaviour of Stearic-Acid Triethanolamine Soap on the Specac Heated Puck for Quest
Investigating the thermotropic behaviour of acid-soap mixtures. (more…)
Application Note, Process Chemistry
(Process Cells) AN18-09: Transmission Cells for the NIR Analysis of Liquid and Vapour Phase Process Streams
The fundamental advantage of using NIR analysis is real-time in-situ analysis of your industrial process. (more…)
Application Note, Materials
(Polarizers) AN21-02: How polarized radiation helps in studies of the properties of functional materials
Discover how polarized infrared light can probe anisotropy in conductive ZnO oxides. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
(Pearl-Omnicell Transmission) AN18-04: Determining Pathlength in Parallel window Liquid Cells Using Interference Fringes
For high accuracy pathlength determination parallel window cells are the gold standard. (more…)
Application Note, Cannabis, legal highs, & drugs
FTIR Analysis of Cannabis Oil Supplements with the Pearl Transmission Accessory
Analysing the highs and lows of cannabis derivatives with FTIR. (more…)
Application Note, Oil & Lubricants
(Pearl Transmission) AN18-02: Analyzing the Breakdown of Mineral Oil under Thermal Stress using the Pearl
Viscous substances such as transformer oils are sampled easily with the Pearl™ with consistent pathlength. (more…)
Application Note, Fuels
(Pearl Transmission) AN18-01: Analyzing FAME content of Biofuels with FTIR using EN14078
Fast and accurate analysis of FAME content according to EN 14078 using the Pearl™. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
(Pearl Transmission) AN17-02: The Pearl – A Chemical Compatibility Sheet
The Pearl™ liquids transmission accessory is a revolutionary concept that opens the door to rapid routine liquid analysis by FTIR. (more…)
Alcohol & Food, Application Note
Analyzing Milk with the Pearl FTIR Transmission Accessory
Analyzing milk to meet quality control standards is fast and easy with the Pearl™ FTIR transmission accessory. (more…)
Application Note, Oil & Lubricants
(Pearl Transmission) AN16-01: Pearl New and Used Motor Oils
The Pearl™ liquid transmission accessory makes the IR spectral measurement of even the most viscous liquids quick, easy, and highly repeatable. (more…)
Application Note, Chemicals
Liquid Film FTIR Analysis of Esterification Reaction Products in the Omni-Cell™
Learn how to qualitatively interpret spectra recorded in a simple transmission FTIR cell – the Omni-Cell™. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
(Manual Press) AN18-07: Why should I be using KBr Pellets
Solid analysis in a KBr matrix is a classic technique that retains some attractive features in an ATR world. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
(VT Transmission Cell) AN6: Analysis of the Thermal Runaway Properties of Germanium using the Variable Temperature Cell Holder
Using the VT cell to characterise the thermal runaway properties of Ge which become appreciable above 150 °C. (more…)
Application Note, Chemicals
(Quest) Leather analysis
ATR-FTIR is ideal for fast and accurate leather analysis. (more…)
Application Note, Environmental, Life Sciences
(Quest ATR) ATR: A Tool for Botanical and Ecological Analysis
Plant samples are easily analyzed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. (more…)
Alcohol & Food, Application Note
Analysing Chocolate using the Pearl Transmission Accessory
The Pearl liquid IR transmission accessory is perfect for chocolate quality-check analysis. (more…)
Application Note, XRF
Analysing Cement using XRF Spectroscopy
XRF quickly detects differences in the composition of cement. (more…)
Application Note, XRF
(Manual Press) Glass analysis using XRF Spectroscopy
XRF spectra can be used as a way to measure the quality of glass. (more…)
Application Note, Environmental, Life Sciences
(Heated Golden Gate ATR) Analyse Heated Soil with the Golden Gate
Soil can be analyzed at a range of temperatures easily with the Specac Golden Gate ATR accessory. (more…)
Application Note, Life Sciences
(Golden Gate ATR) AN36: ATR IR Spectroscopy: An Efficient Technique to Quantitatively Determine the Orientation and Conformation of Proteins in Single Silk Fibers
The Golden Gate makes routine analysis of small single fibres easy. (more…)
Application Note, Technical Note
(Golden Gate ATR) AN33: Extended Range with the KRS-5 Focusing Lenses for the Golden Gate® ATR
The use of the KRS-5 focusing lenses extends the working range of the Golden Gate into the Far IR. (more…)
Application Note, Cannabis, legal highs, & drugs
Analysis of Drugs of Abuse using Golden Gate ATR
The Golden Gate ATR system is a simple, easy-to-use accessory for the analysis of drugs of abuse. (more…)
Application Note, Polymers
(Golden Gate ATR) AN31: Analysis of Automotive Polymers
Learn how to analyse various polymers used in the automobile industry. (more…)
Application Note, Oil & Lubricants
(Golden Gate ATR) AN30: Analysis of Automotive Fluids
Learn how ATR can make analysis of bulk liquids simple. (more…)
Alcohol & Food, Application Note
The Analysis of Edible Oils Using Gateway ATR FTIR
Spectroscopy is ideal for analyzing the content of oil. (more…)
Application Note, Chemicals
(DC-3 Transmission) FTIR Microscopy of Hard Hydrogel Using the DC-3
Analyzing a hard hydrogel using the Diamond Compression Cell. (more…)