Projects / Programmes
Analytics and Chemical Characterization of Materials and Processes
January 1, 2015
- December 31, 2019
| 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 |
| P003 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.04 |
Natural Sciences |
Chemical sciences |
analytical chemistry, bioanalysis, electrochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, speciation, chemical leaching, trace analysis, microanalysis, chemical imaging, aerosols, complex matrices, environmental protection, health and food safety, sensors, microsensors, ICP-MS, laser ablation, TLS, HPLC, FIA, IC
Researchers (40)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The program covers studying/using new approaches for developing modern analytical methods/tools for chemical analysis and characterisation of materials/processes in the fields of (a) environmental protection, (b) health and food safety, and (c) materials research. The research addresses A-methodological and B-problem oriented themes:
Part A:
(i) Elemental and molecular microanalysis and chemical imaging; method development and process studies of direct sampling of solid materials using laser ablation (LA) hyphenated with mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, MS/MS). We will also develop LA-cell for ultrafast LA-monitoring.
(ii) Inorganic and organic analysis of complex (bio)samples; study/development and use of hyphenation of various analytical (separation)techniques (IC, LC, FIA), microfluidic and detection systems (ICP-MS, ICP-OES, MS/MS, thermal lens spectr.-TLS and TLS microscopy) and sensors (electrochemical, optical) for the characterisation of complex matrix samples (environmental, biological).
(iii) Trace and ultratrace elemental analysis; development/application of ICP-MS and ICP-OES and related studies of matrix effects in samples with a high proportion of total dissolved solids. We will study/develop electrochem. sensors, particularly Bi- and Sb-electrodes, for measuring trace (heavy) metal ions (portable/low-cost systems).
(iv) Miniaturisation and sensors; miniaturisation of electrochem. and optical sensors for measuring metal ions and organic compounds. We will also develop sensors for in-vivo measurements of physiologically important species (e.g. neurotransmitters) and study the use of LA for electrode miniaturisation.
Part B:
(a) Environmental protection; physico-chemical characterisation of sub-micrometer aerosol particles and investigation of secondary organic/inorganic aerosol sources/formation processes, and the role of selected metallic species (Fe3+/Fe2+) and biological ligands (e.g. pyoverdine) in atmospheric processes. We will study the degradation of pharmaceutical substances/pesticides with advanced oxidation methods and their removal via biocompatible composite materials using modern techniques, e.g. LC-MS, laser flash photolysis and toxicological testing.
(b) Health and food safety; detection/identification of bioactive compounds (phenols, allergens, toxins, biomarkers) and metabolites, and clarification of their role involves study/introduction of new and sensitive (hyphenated) protocols for the determination of transport and distribution of selected elements/compounds in various biological samples (e.g. brain, physiological fluids, plants, food).
(c) Materials research; chemical and physical (optical and thermal properties, defects) characterization of materials from various sources (archaeological, artistic, industrial, unknown), studies of nondestructive approaches using microsampling and optothermal spectrometry with beam deflection-BDS. We will investigate protocols for preparing new materials using pulsed LA of (ionic)liquids, and innovative use of elctrospray ionization chamber (ESI).
Significance for science
The research program is orientated toward topical themes/fields through the development of modern analytical methodologies and tools/sensors, hence it is possible to anticipate that the results and findings will significantly contribute to global science; this is also supported by previous intensive involvement of the program group in numerous national and international collaborations, also with eminent scientists, many publications (122 starting from 2009), presentations, and a vast number of citations (over 4400 in 2009-2014, source: Wos/Scopus).
In the fields of health (biomedicine, diagnostics), food safety and environmental protection (monitoring) there are increasing demands for sensitive (trace analysis), selective, reliable and rapid analytical methods and tools and for miniaturization of sensor assemblies. Hence, R&D of advanced analytical protocols and chemical sensors, biosensors and their miniaturization, together with innovative use of novel and existing (nanostructured) materials, means further progress to the field. We can foretell that in the field of electroanalysis an important contribution can be expected within further studying and extending the possibilities of using bismuth and antimony electrodes, which were developed within our group and in collaboration with our partners from abroad, and represent an excellent substitute for mercury electrode, primarily for measuring trace heavy metal ions; the proof is over 500 citations of our first article on Bi-electrode. Elemental and molecular analysis of complex (bio)samples and improving particularly the sensitivity and selectivity of analytical methods and tools require inventive hyphenation(s) and study of modern separation and detection techniques. Determination and investigating the occurrence of chemical species is a topical scientific challenge, hence the research will be oriented towards combining non-destructive and destructive analytical methods; through examining (bio)materials, elemental and molecular microanalysis and chemical imaging (coupling of laser ablation (LA) and mass spectrometry) we expect a significant progress, particularly in developing 2D and 3D imaging - both in opening up new application possibilities and in fundamental studies concerning the interaction of laser with the material. The formation of LA-aerosols from different precursors will be another topical research subject. In the field of environmental protection, the development of chemical characterization of aerosols and study of secondary aerosols formation processes will result in knowledge that can be useful in models for predicting formation/distribution of atmospheric particles, and will represent a cogent scientific contribution in understanding the complex atmospheric reaction mechanisms. In studying the natural processes, we can expect, that through developing (micro)analytical protocols (LA-ICP-MS, TLS) we may clarify and confirm some important biological processes (e.g. the transport of essential and toxic components in organisms).
Significance for the country
Selected current themes of the program and obtained proficiency and experience allow direct or indirect transfer and application of knowledge in the area of socio-economic development of Slovenia (technological and sustainable development); research focus is, similarly as until now, oriented in line with global guidelines and needs in the fields of environmental protection (study of aerosols and atmospheric processes, speciation, trace and ultratrace metal ions analysis), health and food safety (analysis of complex (bio)samples, development of sensors, biosensors and microsensors, development of microanalytical methods potentially useful in diagnostics, bioanalysis of toxic and essential components), industrial monitoring and materials development (analysis of end- and interphase-samples in technol. processes) and in the field of natural and cultural heritage preservation (nondestructive analysis and microanalysis of (solid)materials and artefacts of historical significance). Evidence of successful knowledge transfer is the collaboration with dozens of industrial partners, also in the frame of contracts (Lek, Krka, Wire, Calcit, Salonit Anhovo, Slovenian Nat. Building and Civil Eng. Inst., Slovenian Inst. for Hop Research and Brewing).
We are also dedicated to the pedagogic/mentor work with under- and post-graduate students and postdocs aimed at effective knowledge transferring, training and creating top experts. Members of the program group are/were involved as mentors and co-mentors in several bachelor, master and doctoral dissertations, and postdoctoral visits. We are intensively integrated in the Slovenian science/research field within the formal and informal collaborations (Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, Faculty of Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, University of Maribor, University of Nova Gorica, Jožef Stefan Institute) in sharing the instrumental capacities and knowledge exchange. The program also provides support to external academic and industrial partners in solving complex analytical/developmental problems, organization of scientific meetings etc. Presentations of our achievements in numerous international seminars, including invited lectures, and organizing international seminars, surely contribute to the promotion and visibility of our country and, consequently, facilitating access to new technologies, creating conditions for participation in international projects and in international labor division.
Finally, in the field of environmental/health protection it is necessary to be aware that only data on the total content of elements in environmental and other samples is not sufficient in making decisions about keeping track of sustainable development policies and related measures for environment/health protection, which makes the development of chemical speciation and characterization of great importance; new insights might be helpful in preparing national strategies on environmental and related regulations.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
interim report,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
interim report,
final report
