Dataset for the Bulk Characterisation of Homemade Potassium Chlorate Using ATR-FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, XRD, and SEM-EDS

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Data description: Data were collected using instrumentation available at Curtin University and ChemCentre (Perth, Western Australia) as part of a doctoral research project investigating the synthesis and forensic characterisation of potassium chlorate produced from commonly available consumer materials. Infrared spectra were acquired using a Nicolet iS50 Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA) equipped with a single-bounce diamond attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory. Raman spectra were obtained using a Renishaw inVia confocal Raman microscope (Renishaw, UK) with a 785 nm excitation laser. X-ray diffraction data were collected using a Malvern PANalytical EMPYREAN III diffractometer equipped with a Co Kα radiation source and PIXcel3D detector. Elemental composition data were acquired using a Tescan MIRA field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with Oxford Ultim Max energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detectors. Samples consisted of potassium chlorate synthesised from hypochlorite-based consumer products and extracted from commercial safety matches, alongside laboratory-grade reference material. Where appropriate, replicate measurements were collected to account for potential sample heterogeneity. Detailed instrumental parameters, acquisition settings, and sample preparation procedures are reported in the associated research publication.

Number of files/types: 1 .xlsx file
Keywords: Potassium chlorate, Homemade explosives, Forensic characterisation, ATR-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDS