Wide temperature range IR spectroscopy cell for studies of adsorption and desorption on high area solids

A new design for an infrared cell useful for studies of the spectrum of surface species on high area solids is presented. The cell is well suited over a wide temperature range (100–1000 K). Other demonstrated features of the cell include ultrahigh-vacuum operation, temperature control to ±1 K, linear and rapid temperature programmability and low-temperature gradients across the powdered sample. The method of sample preparation and support minimizes both heat and mass transport effects. A detailed literature search of previous infrared cell designs is included. Results of the application of the new cell design to the high-temperature dehydroxylation of Al2O3 are given as an example of the performance.