Sometimes, things don’t always work out the way you expect!
After testing my first functionalized samples of hBN by dissolving in a solution of hexane, we discovered that we did not have a hydrophobic sample of hBN. In fact, it still dissolved way too well in distilled water. It was hard to deal with this disappointment as, in theory, I really expected it to work. However, my mentor insisted we still analyze the sample using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
On the left is the functionalized hBN dissolved in hexane. All of it has settled out on the bottom. On the right is the functionalized hBN dissolved in DI water. You can see it is loving the water WAY too much.
It was really cool learning to use the FTIR machine. After a graduate student demonstrated how to use the machine, she then let me do all my samples on my own!!
On the left is a picture of my control and my 3 samples I am ready to test. On the right is a picture of the graduate student assisting me. 🙂
Upon receiving the FTIR results we could see that it was NOT a complete failure. The hBN was in fact becoming functionalized, just not to the degree we were expecting. My mentor suggested trying a different chemical and so thus begins a new week and new hopes!
Keep your head up….we are going through similar trials… I have change my research objective twice in 2 weeks. All the best this week and successful outcomes.
How does the FTIR work? I’m assuming this was absorption spectroscopy. Is the Fourier transform needed to simulate an actual spectrum or some such? We in PATHS-UP are using fast-Fourier transform functions to attempt to measure someone’s pulse from a webcam signal. It’s been quite a learning curve.
Way to cool. You cannot tell about the FTIR and not tell us what it does! Is it a big machine? Is it used in specific industries? What is the Fourier part in all this? Keep up the fun!