Qualitative and Quantitative Spectral Analysis of Binary Gasoline-Ethanol Blends Using a Low-Cost FT-Raman Spectrometer Prototype
V.O. Clavero, A. Weber, W. Schröder, P. Meyrueis and N. Javahiraly
Raman spectra from three different binary gasoline-ethanol blends (with ratios 95:5, 90:10, and 85:15) have been obtained by using a low-cost, frequency precise Fourier-transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman) prototype. The spectral information is presented in the range of 0 to 3500 cm-1 with a resolution of 1.66 cm-1, which is greater than the required for most liquid and solid chemical samples. This set-up delivers spectral information about the sample with a reduced spectral deviation compared to theoretical values (less than 0.4 cm-1 without compensation for instrumental response). The robust and highly flexible FT-Raman prototype presented for the spectral analysis, consisting mainly of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter, is able to deliver high resolution and frequency precise Raman spectra from the gasoline-ethanol blends comparable to the obtained by using commercial devices. This FT-Raman set-up does not need additional complex hardware or software control and relies on re-sampling and interpolation algorithms. The qualitative spectral information obtained has been used to calculate the proportion of gasoline and ethanol present in the used chemical samples without using extra calibrations methods or chemical markers.
Keywords: Fourier-transform Raman (FT-Raman) spectroscopy, photon counting, fuel blends, chemical analysis