Infrared Reflection-Absorption Spectroscopy of the Electrode/Electrolyte Solution Interface: Optical Considerations

Abstract

Calculations based on the classical Fresnel equations have been carried out to investigate the effect of various experimental parameters on infrared spectra obtained for molecules adsorbed at the electrode/solution interface. The effects considered include the nature of window material, the variation in the angle of incidence, the incident beam diameter, the instrument focus, and the presence of an absorbing bulk electrolyte solution. It is shown that, under certain circumstances, the resultant spectra are enhanced with respect to those obtained in the absence of an IR window and bulk adsorbing phase. The significance of the present results with respect to practical experiments is discussed.