The McCunn Research Lab

Matrix isolation-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a technique utilized to identify pyrolysis products in our lab. The dilute matrix mixture reduces intermolecular reactions while the cold cesium iodide (CsI) window reduces intramolecular reactions and reduces rotational broadening of peaks. The window is kept at 15 K during deposition to ensure that a smooth matrix is formed and is then cooled to 4 K to take a spectrum. The spectrum can then be analyzed to identify the pyrolysis products formed.