2020 Volume 69 Issue 4.5 Pages 197-208
Attenuated total reflectance far-ultraviolet (ATR-FUV) spectroscopy can be used to investigate the electronic excitation absorption in various materials. Recently, ATR-FUV studies regarding inorganic semiconductor powders and ionic liquids have been progressing. Newly developed systems enable spectral measurements under conditions where materials exhibit their functionalities. For optical functional materials, such as titanium dioxide, an external light-irradiation system was developed. Upon irradiation with UV and visible light, the spectral intensity in the FUV region was changed. In addition, strong relationships between metal modified titanium dioxide and its photocatalytic activity were revealed. Another developed system that operates under electrochemical conditions was applied to the investigation of ionic liquids. As a result, reversible spectral changes depending on the applied voltage were measured, and the interaction between the iodide anion and the imidazolium cation was revealed. These new ATR-FUV systems can be used for other functional materials that contribute to our understanding and device design of materials.
