DIY IR Spectrometer From A Breathalyzer

[diymad]

So a simple question from me, would it possible, and if so how (and if not why), to turn a breathalyzer into a micro IR spectrometer. I can't understand why it wouldn't be able to detect other samples of a material through bond enthalpies as it can detect alcohol samples, so why not others? Obviously it isn't that simple otherwise purchasing a IR spectrometer wouldn't be thousands of pounds. But maybe with a bit of programming knowledge it would be possible to build your own, maybe by modifying the fuel cell or bypassing it through a different system to sense other compounds. Albeit far less accurate, it would still be cool to have a tiny little IR spectrometer.

Cheers

[John Cuthber]

The "traditional" breathalyser works by dissolving alcohol from breath into water and using it to drive a fuel cell- the voltage from the cell gives an indication of the alcohol content.

Other methods are sometimes used- the reduction of acid chromate  to chrome (III) is another  option.

What does that have to do with IR spectrometry?