DRIFTS involves the use of infrared radiation to probe the vibrational modes of molecules adsorbed on the surface of a catalyst. When IR light irradiates the sample, some of it is absorbed by the molecules, while the rest is scattered. The DRIFTS accessory collects the diffusely scattered IR radiation and directs it to an FTIR spectrometer, which then produces an IR spectrum. This spectrum provides information about the molecular vibrations and the chemical environment on the catalyst surface.
