Vibrational spectroscopy: a ‘vanishing’ discipline?

Abstract

The aim of this tutorial review is to convince a broad readership that vibrational spectroscopy, although according to some vibrational spectroscopists seemingly less in focus nowadays than in days past, is far from ‘dead’. It may seem to some that infrared and Raman spectroscopy are less in focus than in times past, despite the unique analytical capabilities. Vibrational spectroscopy is particularly powerful for non-destructive characterisation of substances, including living material. But compared to the past, a shift in applications has taken place, bringing new opportunities. This is partly due to the introduction of new features, including imaging and 2D correlation spectroscopy. Another factor is the recognition that vibrational spectroscopy can play a role in new rather than only in the traditional fields of application, e.g. new applications in the life-science field (living cells, cancer research), the characterisation of soil. But also the traditional application in catalysis sees new development within the context of Operando spectroscopy.