Raman spectroscopic identification of phthalic and mellitic acids in mineral matrices

Abstract

The Raman microspectrometric study of organic acids (phthalic and mellitic acids) in experimentally prepared mixtures with halite and gypsum was performed using near infrared 785nm and visible 514nm excitation wavelengths. Gypsum and halite matrices were chosen as analogues of Martian minerals.

Carboxylic acids mixed with mineral powders were also investigated through a UV-transparent crystal of gypsum and halite. Detection limits were established.

Keywords

• Raman spectrometry
• phthalic acid
• mellitic acid
• mineral matrices
• detection limits