Infrared Spectroscopy of Carbon Dioxide Hydration

Measurement of dissolved CO₂ has critical applications in healthcare monitoring and consumer goods quality control, yet is difficult to measure directly. Common methods include titration, measuring off-gas pressure, electrical conductivity or calculating chemical equilibria, all of which require a secondary calculating to determine the concentration of dissolved CO₂. Here researchers in the Dai lab have developed an infrared (IR) spectroscopy technique that allows them to overcome the typical challenge of CO₂ peaks being overshadowed by water. This ~100 micron IR cell creates a thin film of solution where the water does not absorb all the light, allowing the CO₂ signal to be resolved and quantified. This configuration tolerates high pressure systems (up to 58 atm) and still allows for clear CO₂ quantification. From CO₂ capture to consumer drinks and healthcare monitoring via dissolved CO₂ in blood, this technique provides a reliable, accurate and direct method for in situ measurement of dissolved CO₂.

Stage of Research