Projects / Programmes
Analytics and Chemical Characterization of Materials and Processes
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| 1.08.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Control and care of the environment |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P300 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Analytical chemistry |
analytical chemistry; development of analytical methodologies and tools; trace analysis; bioanalytics; micro- and nano-characterization/technology; inorganic and organic pollutants; biologically important compounds; sensors and biosensors; microsensors; novel sensing materials; hyphenated analytical techniques; flow analytical systems; chromatography; electroanalysis; elemental mass spectrometry; laser techniques; miniaturization; modelling; chemical speciation of elements and compounds; sampling and characterization of aerosol particulate matter; aerosol reactivity; kinetics and mechanisms of atmospheric chemical processes; environmental, bio-medical and industrial systems; health and food safety.
Researchers (29)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
This research program, carried out by a team of scientists from the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the National Institute of Chemistry (8 scientists) and the Laboratory for Environmental Research at Nova Gorica Polytechnic (one scientist), focuses on advanced and relevant research in the field of analytics and chemical characterization of materials and processes. The excellence of the team scientists, the availability of state-of-the-art equipment and cooperation with reputable (inter)national research groups allow for the targeting of challenging research topics, all of which represent ample training and education opportunities for Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows. The research program is divided into two complementary and interconnected thematic blocks.
Thematic block A (technique-oriented research)
- Complex material/sample analysis
(i) Research on hyphenation of flow separation/sample preparation techniques (liquid/ion chromatography, flow injection analysis) with various detection systems (electrochemical and UV/Vis diode array detection, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, thermal lens spectrometry, surface plasmone resonance) for retrieval of detailed chemical information from complex matrices, which also includes modelling of separation processes.
(ii) Research on direct, non-destructive analysis, including development of various types of electrochemical and optical sensors and biosensors by seeking and implementing technologically new electrodes and modification materials (e.g. nanoparticles, bioactive compounds), new coating techniques, etc. for the detection of relevant inorganic and biologically important compounds in complex environmental and biomedical samples.
- Trace and ultratrace analysis
(i) Studies are oriented to solving spectral, matrix macrocomponent and solvent interferences in contemporary elemental analysis techniques such as ICP-MS and ICP-atomic emission spectrometry to find new routes and to assure the reliability of (ultra)trace analyses.
(ii) Development of electrochemical (stripping) trace analysis mainly based on the newly introduced bismuth electrode, with emphasis on developing tools for fast on-field analysis/decentralised testing.
- Miniaturization of detection devices
Development of novel micro- and nano-electrodes and sensors based on (etched) carbon or metal fibres/wires, paste, microtubes, etc. These are designed for detection in extremely small environments (volumes or locations) to open new application possibilities in biomedical research, diagnostics, environmental protection and industry.
Thematic block B (problem-oriented research)
- Atmospheric chemical processes
Studies are focused on the transformation of some gaseous pollutants (SO2, NOx, NH3) in the tropospheric aqueous phase, and formation of acidic components and secondary aerosols. Particular attention is paid to transition metals (e.g. Fe, Mn) which behave as catalytically active species, as well as to some organic components (e.g. carboxylic acids, aldehydes, alcohols, etc.) whose role in atmospheric chemical processes is still not fully explained. Using specifically designed instrumentation, reaction kinetics in model solutions are studied as well as the chemical reactivity of real (mostly sub-micrometer sized) aerosols, depending on their size and composition.
-Chemical speciation
Novel speciation methodologies (sequential extraction and hyphenated techniques) are developed and specific instrumental approaches, such as x-ray absorption spectrometry, are employed for speciation of elements selected on the basis of their risk levels and degree of pollution in a multitude of relevant environmental samples (soil, water, etc.) by studying and determining their oxidation state, complexes and their binding to the solid phase.
Significance for science
Scientific and research activities conducted within the research programme were directed at seeking novel concepts and scientific findings as well as the development of new methodological approaches and tools in the field of trace analytics and chemical characterization of various complex (bio)materials and chemical processes. Because of the high relevance of the research contents it is possible to claim that the contribution of the programme group to global science was notably large, which is additionally supported by the successful scientific record of the group and its strong involvement in collaboration at national and international levels. For chemical analysis of complex samples or analysis in more exotic environments (micro litre or micrometre scale) and for increased sensitivity, selectivity, reliability and robustness of modern analytical methods and tools, it is necessary to inventively hyphenate and study separation and detection analytical systems. We therefore consider that our research, particularly in the fields of chemical speciation, bioanalytics and environmental analysis, was highly topical. Because of increasing global demands for fast, simple, inexpensive and decentralized analytical protocols as well as miniaturization of sensor systems, the study and development of chemical sensors, biosensors and microsensors, including the introduction of advanced nano-sized, nano-structured and sol-gel derived materials for their preparation, can assure our contribution to the advancement of modern analytical science. We believe that the further development and wider use of the bismuth and the recently in our lab introduced antimony film electrodes poses a significant contribution to the progress of science, as they can both successfully replace the so far commonly used toxic mercury electrode for the measurement of trace heavy metals. The study, determination and understanding of the fate of chemical species is an on-going challenge and significant efforts are essential in order to make progress in this experimentally very demanding field. Our research was therefore directed into those investigations where the application of combinations of various destructive and non-destructive approaches was expected to give scientifically most promising results in this area. Important scientific results were achieved in all those areas of our research, where laser ablation as a new direct microsampling method was applied. Our research encompassing chemical characterization of fine atmospheric aerosols resulted in the knowledge, which could be used in various models for the prediction of formation and distribution of atmospheric particles and contribute to a better understanding of complex atmospheric reaction mechanisms. Due to so far insufficiently developed analytical methodologies and approaches many natural processes have not been extensively studied yet. Analytical methods with improved sensitivity were developed, which allowed us to explain and confirm selected biological processes and the key factors involved, e.g. transport of antioxidants through cell membranes, etc. The significance of our scientific research is evident from publications in leading scientific journals with a high impact factor, e.g. J. Am. Chem. Soc., Anal. Chem., Trends Anal. Chem. (both leading journals in the field of analytical chemistry), J. Anal. At. Spectr., etc. A high number of citations, fruitful collaboration with some of the most eminent scientists and institutions, as well as involvement in international projects and collaborations are the proof of our scientific quality and the significance of our work.
Significance for the country
The research programme enabled indirect and direct transfer of knowledge as well as the use of results at several important segments, which are closely connected with the level of Slovenia's socio-economic development. On the basis of investigations and new achievements our group has significantly contributed to Slovenia's technological and sustainable development. As previously stated, the direction of our investigations was adjusted in accordance with the global trends and the increasing demands in the field of environmental care (study of aerosols, their formation routes through atmospheric processes and their influence on climate change, speciation, determination of trace heavy metals), bio-medicine (chemical analysis of complex organic samples, development of sensors, biosensors and micro-sensors, development of micro-analytical methods applicable in modern diagnostic), food safety (bio-analytics of some toxic and essential components), industrial monitoring (solving problems of effective chemical analysis in process and final chemical control) and in the field of natural and cultural heritage (non-destructive chemical analysis and micro-analysis of materials and objects of historical importance). The evidence of involvement of our research in Slovenia's socio-economic progress was also our successful cooperation with numerous partners from the industry, such as Salonit Anhovo, Fructal, Lek, Krka, etc., which keep expressing a strong need for cooperation with our group. The data on the total amount of elements in environmental and other samples is not sufficient anymore for political decisions concerning sustainable development and health protection, thus taking chemical speciation to the forefront of environmental analytics. It is necessary to determine the legal limits for chemical species within the environment (air, water, soil) due to their direct link to drinking water, food chain and respiratory system. Our research contributed adequate knowledge, analytical tools and methodologies, which were necessary for development of efficient and low-cost strategies for environmental and health protection. An important part of our activities was devoted to the mentorship work with under- and postgraduate students, young researchers and postdoctoral students, with the aim of efficient transfer of knowledge, education and the creation of top-level young scientific researchers. The members of our group have been mentors or co-mentors to many BSc, MSc, PhD students, as well as postdoctoral visitors from abroad. A large part of our activities within the programme was devoted to the cooperation with groups from various research and higher education institutions in Slovenia (Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, Medical Faculty, Veterinary Faculty, all ULJ, University of Maribor, Institute Jožef Stefan and the University of Nova Gorica). In this frame the complementary exchange of equipment, knowledge and experience was carried out. Some other activities were conducted in the frame of the programme, like training specialists, advisory activity, assistance to partners in solving special analytical problems, organization of scientific meetings and work seminars, etc. The participation in many international meetings, involvement in international collaboration, project partnerships and networks, as well as exchange of visits and a high level of our research achievements have all notably contributed to the promotion of Slovenian science and the international reputation of Slovenia in general.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
