Carbon Analysis

Raman spectroscopy is an ideal analytical tool for nondestructive analysis of carbon nanomaterials. Carbon nanomaterials constitute a variety of carbon allotropes including graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers, each exhibiting unique properties in electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and mechanical strength. The Raman spectra of carbon nanomaterials are typically characterized by three major bands: the G-band, the D-band, and the 2D-band (also referred to as the G’-band). Though simple, the spectra of these nanomaterials are rich in information about their quality and their micro-structures such as crystallinity and level of disorder revealed by the peak positions, peak shapes, and peak intensities. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful technique in the characterization of graphene-related materials and is included in the international standard ASTM E3220, Standard Guide for the Characterization of Graphene Flakes, and one the measurement techniques recommended for graphene and graphene-type materials included in ISO/TR 19733.

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene are the most popular carbon nanomaterials being studied currently since they possess so many significant features not found in other materials, including high strength, electrical and thermal conductivity. By re-designing and ordering their microstructure, they can be tailored to have even greater flexibility to meet human needs. Raman spectroscopy is a good tool to collect spectra of CNT, and information on the tube diameter and orientation angles. Graphene is often characterized by the ratio of bands related to the long range order, G-band/ D-band, also used in characterization of graphene oxides. Raman peak shift in graphene spectra is proof of slightly different structures, making it an ideal instrument to characterize the material structure in carbon. Raman can be used as a rapid, nondestructive test to ensure material quality in the manufacturing process, including detection of small manufacturing residuals.

Products

i-Raman^® Prime

High throughput, Highly Sensitive, High Resolution Raman System

i-Raman^® Prime

The i-Raman^® Prime is a high sensitivity and high throughput fully integrated Raman system with an embedded tablet computer and fiber optic probe sampling. Using a high quantum efficiency CCD array detector with deep cooling (-25°C) and high dynamic range, this portable Raman spectrometer delivers research-grade Raman capabilities including real-time quantitation and identification capabilities. The high throughput gives excellent signal to noise ratio making it possible to measure even the slightest Raman signals and detect subtle sample differences. The i-Raman Prime series features the unique combination of wide spectral coverage and high resolution, measuring down to 150 cm^-1 to up to 3400cm^-1, in a mobile design. The i-Raman Prime offers three excitations of 532, 785, and 1064 nm that can accommodate numerous applications.

The i-Raman Prime can be battery operated for easy portability, giving research grade Raman capabilities for high precision qualitative and quantitative work wherever needed. The system is optimized for use with our STRaman^® technology.

Click here to download our portable Raman product compatibility chart

Applications:

Bioscience and Medical Diagnosis
Pharmaceutical Analysis
Raman Microscopy
Process Monitoring (PAT)
Forensic Analysis
Geological and Mineralogical Research
Materials Science Research
SERS

SENSITIVE:
High sensitivity and low noise detector combined with a high-throughput spectrometer giving excellent sensitivity to detect even low concentrations and samples with weak Raman signal. The high sensitivity gives high signal-to-noise ratio needed for biological systems. Shorter integration times are achievable due to high throughput, allowing for faster measurements as needed for process monitoring.

COMPREHENSIVE:
The fiber-optic-probe based sampling gives the flexibility to make measurements in different positions for a range of sample sizes and forms. Our comprehensive package of sampling accessories, including a video microscope and lenses for stand-off measurements, provide the utmost utility for Raman analysis in the lab and the field. The i-Raman Prime is compatible for use with our STRaman® technology, featuring see-through measurement capabilities over a larger sample area.

TOUCH SCREEN INTERFACE:
The i-Raman Prime is a fully integrated system with a touchscreen tablet computer running touch-friendly software, providing material identification and real-time predictions.

i-Raman^® Plus

Highly Sensitive, High Resolution Fiber Optic Raman System

i-Raman^® Plus

The i-Raman^® Plus is part of our award winning line of i-Raman portable Raman spectrometers powered by our innovative smart spectrometer technology. Using a high quantum efficiency CCD array detector with deeper cooling and high dynamic range, this portable Raman spectrometer delivers an improved signal to noise ratio for up to 30 minutes, making it possible to measure weak Raman signals. The i-Raman Plus features the unique combination of wide spectral coverage and high resolution with configurations measuring from 65 cm^-1 to up to 4200 cm^-1, enabling you to measure stretching bands around 3100 cm^-1. The system’s small footprint, lightweight design, and low power consumption provide research grade Raman capabilities you can take your 532 or 785 excitations anywhere! The i-Raman Plus comes standard with a fiber optic probe, and can be used with a cuvette holder, a video microscope, an XYZ positioning stage probe holder and our proprietary BWIQ^® multivariate analysis software and BWID^® identification software. With the i-Raman Plus, a high precision qualitative and quantitative Raman solution is at your fingertips.

Click here to download our portable Raman product compatibility chart

Applications:

Art & Archaeology
Bioscience and Medical Diagnosis
Polymers and Chemical Processes
Semiconductor & Solar Industry
Geology and Mineralogy
Pharmaceutical Industry
Environmental Science
Raman Microscopy
Forensic Analysis
Gemology
Teaching
Quality Control
General Research

SENSITIVE:

High quantum efficiency CCD array detector with deeper cooling and high dynamic range

COMPREHENSIVE:

Our comprehensive package of sampling accessories for measuring solid and liquid samples provide you the utmost utility right out of the box.

QUANTITATIVE:

Our state of the art BWIQ^® Raman data analysis software package provides an intuitive user interface, intelligent algorithms, and efficient matrix calculation power, making it easy to use by both expert and novice users to develop quantitative and qualitative chemometric models.

FEATURES

Patented CleanLaze^® Technology for Laser Stabilization
Rayleigh line cut-off at 65 cm^-1
Fiber Optic Coupling for Convenient Sampling

ACCESSORIES (Included):

Fiber-optic Raman trigger probes
Laser safety goggles

ACCESSORIES (Optional):

Battery
Cuvette holder
Tablet holder
A range of long working distance lenses (up to 6 meters)
Probe holder and XYZ positioning stage
Industrial Raman immersion probe shaft
Video microscope
Performance testing kit, including liquid vial holder
Raman flow cell
BWID® acquisition and identification software

Testimonials

The small footprint of the i-Raman plus allows us to conveniently do a lot of high-throughput screening of Carbon-based nanomaterials and polymorphs in film, solution, or colloidal form

— Dr. Rigoberto Advincula, Case Western Reserve University

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Application Notes

Carbon Black At-line Characterization Using a Portable Raman Spectrometer

Carbon black is a form of amorphous carbon. It is mainly used as reinforcement filler in automobile tires and other rubber products, but is also used in pigments, paint, and carbon paper. Raman spectroscopy is a very effective analytical technology to characterize carbon materials. The fast characterization of carbon black material using Raman spectroscopy is discussed here to demonstrate that Raman technology is well suited for carbon black material characterization.
Read the full application note

Combined Electrochemical Raman Spectroscopy for Process Characterization

Raman spectroscopy has proven to be an effective technology to characterize conductive polymers in combination with conventional electrochemical experiments. Coupled with electrochemical techniques, it allows in-situ characterization of the molecular structure changes of polymers during the course of electrochemical reactions.
Read the full application note

i-Raman® Prime 532 for Carbon Analysis

Raman spectroscopy is an ideal analytical tool for nondestructive analysis of carbon nanomaterials. B&W Tek’s portable i-Raman Prime 532 is equipped with a fiber-optic sampling probe is ideal for analysis of carbon materials. The system is equipped with a high-throughput spectrometer with back-thinned CCD TE-cooled to -25°C, for high sensitivity. It is ideal for materials in powdered forms, with no need for sample preparation.
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Carbon Analysis with High Signal -Throughput | Portable Raman Spectroscopy

Graphene is the revolutionary carbon nanomaterial made up of honeycomb carbon atoms known for its unique characteristics and vast number of uses. In this application note, discover how Raman spectroscopy is a valuable tool for characterization of carbon nanomaterials due to its selectivity, speed, and ability to measure samples nondestructively.
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