| Title: |
Multipurpose DIY Spectrophotometer for Teaching Analytical Chemistry |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Gina DelMonache (ORCID 0009-0003-8093-8858); Pratahdeep Gogoi (ORCID 0000-0002-0918-6257); Xiaoli Ge; Xingyu Wang; Rachel Snider (ORCID 0009-0002-5901-4442); Owen Szeglowski; Timothy R. Cook (ORCID 0000-0002-7668-8089); Ziyun Wang (ORCID 0000-0002-2817-8367); Yuguang C. Li (ORCID 0000-0002-9559-7051) |
| Source: |
Journal of Chemical Education. 2025 102(2):852-856. |
| Availability: |
Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
5 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Chemistry; Measurement Equipment; Light; College Science; Undergraduate Students; Hands on Science; Color |
| DOI: |
10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c01229 |
| ISSN: |
0021-9584; 1938-1328 |
| Abstract: |
Spectroscopy is an integral part of chemical research, and the operation of any spectroscopic instrument is critical in chemical education. This study presents a low-cost, do-it-yourself (DIY) style spectrophotometer system that can be adapted for UV--vis spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, and atomic emission spectroscopy applications. The DIY system is constructed with commonly available hardware and 3D-printed parts, totaling less than $100 USD. Python code is also provided to process the color spectrum image into intensity vs wavelength data, similar to any commercial-level instrument. The functionality of the DIY spectrophotometer is demonstrated with the absorption of KMnO[subscript 4], fluorescence of fluorescein and atomic emission of LiCl, NaCl, BaCl[subscript 2], and SrCl[subscript 2]. All of the collected spectra show accurate results compared to a commercial instrument or existing literature. The goal of this project is to provide a hands-on platform for undergraduate students to see and modify the individual components of a spectrophotometer, which will enhance their understanding of the underlying principles. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1460454 |
| Database: |
ERIC |