5.3 Chemical and compositional analysis techniques

Chemical analysis techniques are crucial for understanding biomimetic materials. Spectroscopic methods like FTIR and Raman reveal molecular structures, while NMR and mass spectrometry provide detailed compositional information. These tools help researchers uncover the secrets of nature-inspired materials.

X-ray techniques and thermal analysis further expand our knowledge. XRD shows crystal structures, while EDS and XPS reveal elemental composition. TGA measures thermal stability and decomposition. Together, these methods paint a comprehensive picture of biomimetic materials' properties and behavior.

Spectroscopic Techniques

Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy

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Top images from around the web for Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy

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  FTIR and Elementary Analysis of Trigona Honey, Apis Honey and Adulterated Honey Mixtures ... View original

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  FTIR-ATR and FT-Raman Spectroscopy for Biochemical Changes in Oral Tissue View original

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  Frontiers | Chemical Analysis of Pollen by FT-Raman and FTIR Spectroscopies View original

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• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) uses infrared light to identify functional groups and chemical bonds in a sample
  • Measures the absorption of infrared light at different wavelengths
  • Produces a spectrum with peaks corresponding to specific functional groups (hydroxyl, carbonyl, amine)
• Raman Spectroscopy uses inelastic scattering of monochromatic light to study vibrational, rotational, and other low-frequency modes in a system
  • Provides information about molecular vibrations and crystal structures
  • Complementary to FTIR, as some vibrations are Raman-active but not IR-active and vice versa

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectrometry

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) uses the magnetic properties of atomic nuclei to determine the structure and composition of molecules
  • Applies a strong magnetic field to align nuclear spins and measures the resonance frequency of nuclei when perturbed by radio waves
  • Provides detailed information about the chemical environment of specific atoms (hydrogen, carbon)
• Mass Spectrometry measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to identify and quantify molecules
  • Ionizes the sample and separates ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio
  • Can determine the molecular weight, elemental composition, and structural features of compounds
  • Techniques include Electrospray Ionization (ESI) and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI)

X-ray Analysis Techniques

X-ray Diffraction and Spectroscopy

• X-ray Diffraction (XRD) uses the scattering of X-rays by crystalline materials to determine their atomic and molecular structure
  • Based on Bragg's law, which relates the wavelength of X-rays, the spacing between crystal planes, and the scattering angle
  • Provides information about crystal structure, phase composition, and crystallite size
• Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) uses the characteristic X-rays emitted by elements when excited by a high-energy electron beam to determine the elemental composition of a sample
  • Measures the energy and intensity of X-rays emitted from the sample
  • Provides quantitative and qualitative information about the elements present (mapping)
• X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) uses X-rays to eject electrons from the surface of a material and measures their kinetic energy to determine the elemental composition, chemical state, and electronic structure of the surface
  • Based on the photoelectric effect, where X-rays cause the emission of core-level electrons
  • Provides information about the chemical bonding and oxidation states of elements on the surface (top 1-10 nm)

Thermal Analysis

Thermogravimetric Analysis

• Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) measures the change in mass of a sample as a function of temperature or time under a controlled atmosphere
  • Sample is heated at a constant rate or held at a constant temperature while the mass is monitored
  • Provides information about the thermal stability, decomposition, and composition of materials
  • Can be used to study the degradation of polymers, the oxidation of metals, and the dehydration of hydrates