Application of Raman Spectroscopy to the Study of Adsorption Effects at Liquid-Solid Interfaces

A sample cell for investigating suspensions or emulsions by Raman spectroscopy in the optically favorable 90° scattering arrangement is described. The Raman spectra of pyridine in a suspension of Aerosil 200 in carbon tetrachloride are recorded. The adsorption isotherm of pyridine is determined from the intensities of the Raman lines at 1008 and 990 cm−1. Over a long range of coverage a linear relationship exists between reciprocal concentrations of chemisorbed and dissolved molecules. The minimal surface area that is occupied by a chemisorbed molecule is determined to be approximately 0.75 nm2.