Simultaneous Determination of Monoatomic Ions via Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection Spectroscopy in Aqueous Solution at Different Temperatures.

In this study, monoatomic and thus IR-inactive ions were determined via infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR) spectroscopy including Cl(-), Na(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), K(+) and Br(-), next to the IR-active ion [Formula: see text] The determination of IR-inactive ions is enabled, as each ion influences the infrared spectrum of bulk water by organizing the water molecules within the solvation shell around the ionic species in a unique way. Furthermore, the influence of temperature was taken into account for the potential application of this analytical technique in real-world scenarios. Using chemometric data analysis, seven ions could be discriminated at temperatures ranging between 3 ℃ and 45 ℃.

A mid-infrared sensor for the determination of perfluorocarbon-based compounds in aquatic systems for geosequestration purposes.

Perfluorocarbon (PFC) compounds have been used as chemical tracer molecules to understand the movement of supercritical carbon dioxide for geosequestration monitoring and verification purposes. A commonly used method for detecting PFCs involves the collection of a sample from either soil-gas or the atmosphere via carbon-based sorbents which are then analyzed in a laboratory. However, PFC analysis in aquatic environments is neglected and this is an issue that needs to be considered since the PFC is likely to undergo permeation through the overlying water formations.

Spectroscopic methods in gas hydrate research.

Gas hydrates are crystalline structures comprising a guest molecule surrounded by a water cage, and are particularly relevant due to their natural occurrence in the deep sea and in permafrost areas. Low molecular weight molecules such as methane and carbon dioxide can be sequestered into that cage at suitable temperatures and pressures, facilitating the transition to the solid phase. While the composition and structure of gas hydrates appear to be well understood, their formation and dissociation mechanisms, along with the dynamics and kinetics associated with those processes, remain ambiguous.