Abstract
A method for the study of solutes in aqueous solutions using a micro-attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) accessory with microscopic condensation was investigated. The accessory employs a single bounce internal reflection element (IRE, Si or Ge) which focuses the infrared radiation to a 10-pl volume element. By microscopic condensation of the analyte into this volume element, detection limits in the parts per million regime were observed for polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyacrylic acid (PAA). The method was found to be linear over several orders of magnitude and could be implemented on a standard Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Techniques to improve the method by placing a hydrophobic annulus on the IRE and the use of the device as an HPLC detector are discussed.
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