Practical — especially earth science — applications of ATR FTIR spectrometry through some case studies

Abstract

In this study a recently quickly advancing mode of FTIR spectrometry in earth and environmental sciences, the attenuated total reflectance (hereafter referred to as ATR) spectrometry, is introduced and compared to the widely applied transmission infrared (hereafter referred to as TIR) technique using KBr pellets. Through the presented results the authors wish to provide guidance in regard to what results could be achieved with the different analytical settings and technical parametres (i.e. types of detectors and ATR accessories). International clay mineral standards, siliciclastic sedimentary rocks, bones and ambers have been analyzed by different ATR accessories and detectors to constrain the optimal analytical settings. In addition, a summary for the assignment of characteristic absorption bands in the investigated materials is given providing a comprehensive overview for the Earth and Environmental Science applications of ATR FTIR spectrometry. Some practical domestic applications of ATR FTIR are presented including siliciclastic sediments from the landslide effected Kulcs area and ambers from Iharkút