Chemische Charakterisierung und Spurenanalytik
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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used for durable water-repellent finishing of different fabrics and textiles like outdoor clothing, carpets, medical textiles and more. Existing PFAS extraction techniques followed by target analysis are often insufficient in detecting widely used side-chain fluorinated polymers (SFPs) that are barely or non-extractable. SFPs are typically copolymers consisting of a non-fluorinated backbone with perfluoroalkyl side-chains to obtain desired properties. We compared the accessible analytical information and performance of complementary techniques based on oxidation (dTOP assay, PhotoTOP), hydrolysis (THP assay), standard extraction, extractable organic fluorine (EOF), and total fluorine (TF) with five functional textiles and characterized 7 further textiles only by PhotoTOP oxidation. The results show that when applied directly to textile samples, oxidation by dTOP and PhotoTOP and also hydrolysis by the THP are able to capture large fractions of the TF in form of perfluoroalkyl side-chains present in the textiles while methods relying on extracts (EOF, target and non-target analysis) were much lower (e.g., factor ~25-50 lower). The conversion of large fractions of the measured TF into PFCAs or FTOHs from fluorinated side chains is in contrast to previous studies. Concentrations ranged from <LOQ to over ~1000 mg F/kg after oxidation/hydrolysis and <LOQ to over 2000 mg F/kg for TF, while EOF and target PFAS in extracts were detected at much lower concentrations (up to ~ 60 mg F/kg) (amount of fluorine in the order: extraction << EOF << oxidation/hydrolysis ≤ TF). Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) from THP and PhotoTOP both represented the chain-length distribution in the textiles showing that long-chain SFPs are still used in current textiles. Further advantages and disadvantages of the applied methods are discussed.
The transition from X-ray film to digital detectors in radiography is accompanied by an increase of unsharpness due to the larger inherent digital detector unsharpness in comparison to film. The basic spatial resolution of digital detectors (see EN ISO 17636-2) is used today to describe this unsharpness. The geometrical unsharpness of the radiographic projection of object structures onto the detector plane is determined by the focal spot size of the X-ray tube and the magnification. The focal spot size is measured today (see ASTM E 1165) from pin hole camera exposures or edge unsharpness (see ASTM E 2903). The final image unsharpness is a result of a convolution of the geometrical and inherent detector unsharpness function, divided by the magnification factor of the object onto the detector plane. Different approximations of this convolution result in ASTM E 1000 and ISO 17636-2 in different optimum values for the magnification factor for a given focal spot size of a X—ray tube and the basic spatial resolution of the detector. The higher contrast sensitivity, an advantage of digital radiography, compared to film radiography is furthermore improved when using higher X-ray voltages as used with film and smaller focal spots of the X-ray tubes. This allows a higher distance between object and detector resulting in reduced object scatter in the image. The interactions between all these parameters will be discussed and simple rules for practitioners will be derived in this contribution.
Determination of elemental mass fractions in sediments plays a major role in evaluating the environmental status of aquatic ecosystems. Herewith, the optimization of a new total digestion protocol and the subsequent analysis of 48 elements in different sediment reference materials (NIST SRM 2702, GBW 07313, GBW 07311 and JMC-2) based on ICP-MS/MS detection is presented. The developed method applies microwave acid digestion and utilizes HBF4 as fluoride source for silicate decomposition. Similar to established protocols based on HF, HBF4 ensures the dissolution of the silicate matrix, as well as other refractory oxides. As HBF4 is not acutely toxic; no special precautions have to be made and digests can be directly measured via ICP-MS without specific sample inlet systems, evaporation steps or the addition of e.g. H3BO3, in order to mask excess HF. Different acid mixtures with and without HBF4 were evaluated in terms of digestion efficiency based on the trace metal recovery. The optimized protocol (5 mL HNO3, 2 mL HCL, 1 mL HBF4) allows a complete dissolution of the analyzed reference materials, as well as quantitative recoveries for a wide variety of certified analytes. Low recoveries for e.g. Sr, Ba and rare earth elements due to fluoride precipitation of HF-based digestions protocols, can be avoided by the usage of HBF4 instead. Based on the usage of high purity HBF4 all relevant trace, as well as matrix elements can be analyzed with sufficiently low LOQs (0.002 μg L−1 for U up to 6.7 μg L−1 for Al). In total, 34 elements were within a recovery range of 80%–120% for all three analyzed reference materials GBW 07313, GBW 07311 and JMC-2. 14 elements were outside a recovery range of 80%–120% for at least one of the analyzed reference materials.
Environmental pollutants like fine particulate matter can cause adverse health effects through oxidative stress and inflammation. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) such as peroxynitrite can chemically modify proteins, but the effects of such modifications on the immune system and human health are not well understood. In the course of inflammatory processes, the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) can sense damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Here, we investigate how the TLR4 response and pro-inflammatory potential of the proteinous DAMPs α-Synuclein (α-Syn), heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), and high-mobility-group box 1 protein (HMGB1), which are relevant in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, changes upon chemical modification with peroxynitrite.
For the peroxynitrite-modified proteins, we found a strongly enhanced activation of TLR4 and the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB in stable reporter cell lines as well as increased mRNA expression and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 in human monocytes (THP-1). This enhanced activation of innate immunity via TLR4 is mediated by covalent chemical modifications of the studied DAMPs.
Our results show that proteinous DAMPs modified by peroxynitrite more potently amplify inflammation via TLR4 activation than the native DAMPs, and provide first evidence that such modifications can directly enhance innate immune responses via a defined receptor. These findings suggest that environmental pollutants and related ROS/RNS may play a role in promoting acute and chronic inflammatory disorders by structurally modifying the body's own DAMPs. This may have important consequences for chronic neurodegenerative, cardiovascular or gastrointestinal diseases that are prevalent in modern societies, and calls for action, to improve air quality and climate in the Anthropocene.
AbstractHigh-strength aluminum alloys used in aerospace and automotive applications obtain their strength through precipitation hardening. Achieving the desired mechanical properties requires precise control over the nanometer-sized precipitates. However, the microstructure of these alloys changes over time due to aging, leading to a deterioration in strength. Typically, the size, number, and distribution of precipitates for a quantitative assessment of microstructural changes are determined by manual analysis, which is subjective and time-consuming. In our work, we introduce a progressive and automatable approach that enables a more efficient, objective, and reproducible analysis of precipitates. The method involves several sequential steps using an image repository containing dark-field transmission electron microscopy (DF-TEM) images depicting various aging states of an aluminum alloy. During the process, precipitation contours are generated and quantitatively evaluated, and the results are comprehensibly transferred into semantic data structures. The use and deployment of Jupyter Notebooks, along with the beneficial implementation of Semantic Web technologies, significantly enhances the reproducibility and comparability of the findings. This work serves as an exemplar of FAIR image and research data management.
Hot carriers (electrons and holes) generated from the decay of localized surface plasmon resonances can take a major role in catalytic reactions on metal nanoparticles. By obtaining surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of p-aminothiophenol as product of the reduction of p-nitrothiophenol by hot electrons, different catalytic activity is revealed here for nanoparticles of silver, gold, and copper. As a main finding, a series of different ligands, comprising halide and non-halide species, are found to enhance product formation in the reduction reaction on nanoparticles of all three metals. A comparison with the standard electrode potentials of the metals with and without the ligands and SERS data obtained at different electrode potential indicate that the higher catalytic activity can be associated with a higher Fermi level, thereby resulting in an improved efficiency of hot carrier generation. The concept of such a ligand-enhanced hot electron reduction provides a way to make light-to-chemical energy conversion more efficient due to improved electron harvesting.
Metastasis is the main cause of death from colorectal cancer (CRC). About 20% of stage II CRC patients develop metastasis during the course of disease. We performed metabolic profiling of plasma samples from non-metastasized and metachronously metastasized stage II CRC patients to assess the potential of plasma metabolites to serve as biomarkers for stratification of stage II CRC patients according to metastasis risk. We compared the metabolic profiles of plasma samples prospectively obtained prior to metastasis formation from non-metastasized vs. metachronously metastasized stage II CRC patients of the German population-based case–control multicenter DACHS study retrospectively. Plasma samples were analyzed from stage II CRC patients for whom follow-up data including the information on metachronous metastasis were available. To identify metabolites distinguishing non-metastasized from metachronously metastasized stage II CRC patients robust supervised classifications using decision trees and support vector machines were performed and verified by 10-fold cross-validation, by nested cross-validation and by traditional validation using training and test sets. We found that metabolic profiles distinguish non-metastasized from metachronously metastasized stage II CRC patients. Classification models from decision trees and support vector machines with 10-fold cross-validation gave average accuracy of 0.75 (sensitivity 0.79, specificity 0.7) and 0.82 (sensitivity 0.85, specificity 0.77), respectively, correctly predicting metachronous metastasis in stage II CRC patients. Taken together, plasma metabolic profiles distinguished non-metastasized and metachronously metastasized stage II CRC patients. The classification models consisting of few metabolites stratify non-invasively stage II CRC patients according to their risk for metachronous metastasis.
In this study, we demonstrate the applicability of nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry (MICAP-MS) for Ca, Fe, and Se quantification in human serum using isotope dilution (ID) analysis. The matrix tolerance of MICAP-MS in Na matrix was investigated, uncovering that high Na levels can suppress the signal intensity. This suppression is likely due to the plasma loading and the space charge effect. Moreover, 40Ca and 44Ca isotopic fractionation was noted at elevated Na concentration. Nine certified serum samples were analyzed using both external calibration and ID analysis. Overestimation of Cr, Zn, As, and Se was found in the results of external calibration, which might be resulted from C-induced polyatomic interference and signal enhancement, respectively. Further investigations performed with methanol showed a similar enhancement effect for Zn, As, and Se, potentially supporting this assumption. The mass concentrations determined with ID analysis show metrological compatibility with the reference values, indicating that MICAP-MS combined with ID analysis can be a promising method for precise Ca, Fe, and Se determination. Moreover, this combination reduces the influences of matrix effects, broadening the applicability of MICAP-MS for samples with complex matrix.
Two sets of polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) with comparable core sizes but different carboxyl group densities were made and separated using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4), capillary electrophoresis (CE), and the off-line hyphenation of both methods. Our results revealed the significant potential of two-dimensional off-line AF4-CE hyphenation to improve the separation and demonstrated for the first time, the applicability of CE to determine the functional group density of nanoparticles (NPs). Compared to the result acquired with conductometric titration, the result obtained with synthesized 100 nm sized PSNPs revealed only a slight deviation of 1.7%. Commercial 100 nm sized PSNPs yielded a deviation of 4.6 %. For 60 nm sized PSNPs, a larger deviation of 10.6 % between both methods was observed, which is attributed to the lower separation resolution.
The successful off-line coupling of asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation (AF4) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) for separation of nanoparticles (NPs) with different surface coatings was shown. We could successfully demonstrate that, in a certain NP size range, hyphenation of both techniques significantly improved the separation of differently coated NPs. Three mixtures of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) with comparable core sizes but different coatings (no coating/carboxyl-coated) were studied. Separation in either method resulted in non-baseline resolved or non-separated peaks. In contrast, two-dimensional off-line coupling of AF4 and CE resulted in clearly separated regions in their 2 D plots in case of 20 and 50 nm particle mixtures, whereas the 100 nm NP mixture could not be separated at all. Various factors affecting the separation like hydrodynamic diameter or SDS concentration were discussed.
In this work, we employed glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GD-OES) depth profiling as a fast and semi-quantitative method to investigate the aluminum (Al) current collector degradation in commercial lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) pouch cells with no Al2O3 pretreatment. After battery aging, a heterogeneous deposit was found on the surface of the cathode. Gray hotspot areas within an extensive pale white region were formed. Consistent with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis of micro-cross sections milled via targeted focused ion beam (FIB), an Al-containing layer of approximately 3 µm can be observed using GD-OES. We attribute one main cause of this layer is the degradation of the Al current collector. The nonuniform growth of this layer was investigated by performing GD-OES depth profiling at different in-plane positions. We found that the gray area has a higher mass concentration of Al, probably in metallic form, whereas the white area was probably covered more homogeneously with Al2O3, resulting from the inhomogeneous distribution of the pitting positions on the current collector. Compared to FIB-EDX, GD-OES enables a faster and more convenient depth profile analysis, which allows the more productive characterization of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), and consequently benefits the development of preferable battery materials.
In this study, we employed nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmospheric-pressure plasma (MICAP) combined with quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) and a liquid sample introduction system to analyze heavy metals in soils. The vanadium, cobalt, nickel, zinc, copper, chromium, arsenic, lead, and cadmium contents in seven reference and three environmental soil samples determined using MICAP-MS were within the uncertainty of the reference values, indicating that MICAP-MS is promising for soil analysis similar to the conventional inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique. In addition, the limits of detection (LODs) and sensitivity of both techniques using N2 and Ar plasma were of the same order of magnitude. Furthermore, the performance of MICAP-MS under different N2 purity was investigated, and we found that the plasma formation and ionization efficiency were not influenced by the impurities in the gas. A prominent advantage of MICAP-MS is the low operating cost associated with gas consumption. In this work, MICAP-MS used nitrogen, which is cheaper than argon, and consumed 25% less gas than ICP-MS. Using low-purity N2 can further reduce the gas cost, making MICAP-MS more cost effective than ICP-MS. These results suggest that MICAP-MS is a promising alternative to ICP-MS for the analysis of heavy metals in the soil.
Due to the fast growth of industry and the use of metal-containing compounds such as sewage sludge in agricultural fields, soil pollution associated with heavy metals presents a terrifying threat to the environment. Throughout the world, there are already 5 million sites of soil contaminated by heavy metals1. Some heavy metals pollutants can influence food chain safety and food quality, which in turn affects human health. According to the German Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Site Ordinance (BBodSchV) 13 heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are classified as heavily toxic to human health2. Therefore, elemental analysis and precise quantification of the heavy metals in soil are of great importance.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) emerged as a powerful technique for trace analysis of soil due to its multi-element capability, high sensitivity and low sample consumption. However, despite its success and widespread use, ICP-MS has several persistent drawbacks, such as high argon gas consumption, argon-based polyatomic interferences and the need for complicated RF-power generators. Unlike argon-based ICP, the nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry (MICAP-MS) uses nitrogen as plasma gas, which eliminates high operating costs associated with argon-gas consumption as well as the argon-based interferences3. For the first time, the applicability of MICAP-MS for elemental analysis of environmental soils is investigated in this work. For this purpose, 7 reference- and 3 random soil samples containing vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), zink (Zn), copper (Cu), chrome (Cr), mercury (Hg), As, Pb and Cd are digested with aqua regia and used for analysis. Concentrations of selected elements are determined using MICAP-MS and validated using ICP-MS. Sensitivities, limits of detection and gas consumption for both methods are compared and discussed in detail. Moreover, the performance of MICAP-MS under different nitrogen plasma gas concentrations is investigated and compared
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) emerged as a powerful technique for trace analysis of soil due to its multi-element capability, high sensitivity and low sample consumption. However, despite its success and widespread use, ICP-MS has several persistent drawbacks, such as high argon gas consumption, argon-based polyatomic interferences and the need for complicated RF-power generators. Unlike argon-based ICP, the nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry (MICAP-MS) uses nitrogen as plasma gas, which eliminates high operating costs associated with argon-gas consumption as well as the argon-based interferences1. In this work, the applicability of MICAP-MS for elemental analysis in different matrices is investigated. For this purpose, reference soil samples and steel samples are digested with aqua regia and used for analysis. Concentrations of selected elements are determined using MICAP-MS and validated with ICP-MS und certified values. Sensitivities, limits of detection and gas consumption for both methods are compared and discussed in detail. Performance of MICAP-MS under different nitrogen plasma gas concentrations is investigated and compared. Moreover, the performance of MICAP-MS in alloy matrices is investigated and discussed.
Due to the fast growth of industry and the use of metal-containing compounds such as sewage sludge in agricultural fields, soil pollution associated with heavy metals presents a terrifying threat to the environment. Throughout the world, there are already 5 million sites of soil contaminated by heavy metals1. Some heavy metals pollutants can influence food chain safety and food quality, which in turn affects human health. According to the German Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Site Ordinance (BBodSchV) 13 heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are classified as heavily toxic to human health2. Therefore, elemental analysis and precise quantification of the heavy metals in soil are of great importance.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) emerged as a powerful technique for trace analysis of soil due to its multi-element capability, high sensitivity and low sample consumption. However, despite its success and widespread use, ICP-MS has several persistent drawbacks, such as high argon gas consumption, argon-based polyatomic interferences and the need for complicated RF-power generators. Unlike argon-based ICP, the nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry (MICAP-MS) uses nitrogen as plasma gas, which eliminates high operating costs associated with argon-gas consumption as well as the argon-based interferences3. For the first time, the applicability of MICAP-MS for elemental analysis of environmental soils is investigated in this work. For this purpose, 7 reference- and 3 random soil samples containing vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), zink (Zn), copper (Cu), chrome (Cr), mercury (Hg), As, Pb and Cd are digested with aqua regia and used for analysis. Concentrations of selected elements are determined using MICAP-MS and validated using ICP-MS. Sensitivities, limits of detection and gas consumption for both methods are compared and discussed in detail. Moreover, the performance of MICAP-MS under different nitrogen plasma gas concentrations is investigated and compared.
The successful off-line coupling of asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation (AF4) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) for Separation of nanoparticles (NPs) with different surface coatings was shown.
Two mixtures of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) with comparable core sizes (20 nm and 50 nm) but different coatings (no coating/carboxyl-coated) were studied. Separation in either method resulted in non-baseline resolved or non-separated peaks. In contrast, two-dimensional off-line coupling of AF4 and CE resulted in clearly separated regions in their 2 D plots and can obviouly improve separation resolution.
Nowadays, different nanoparticles have been developed for commercial applications. However, since data on toxicity are barely available, their increasing application in cosmetic products, food and their release in the environment might cause severe problems. An accurate separation, identification and characterization of nanoparticles becomes increasingly important1,2.
In this presentation, a two-dimensional separation approach based on AF4 and CE was showed and used to separate NPs with similar sizes but different coatings. Standard reference polystyrene NPs having comparable core sizes but different coatings were investigated. Different migration time and profiles were compared. Separation in either method resulted in non-baseline resolved or non-separated peaks. In contrast, two-dimensional coupling of AF4 and CE resulted in clearly separated regions in their 2 D plots in case of 20 and 50 nm particle mixtures, whereas the 100 nm NP mixture could not be separated. Various factors affecting the separation like hydrodynamic diameter or SDS concentration were discussed.
Future investigations will be focussed on inorganic NPs with differently charged coatings. There, AF4-CE coupling can be coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to enhance the sensitivity of this method.
Nowadays, different nanoparticles have been developed for commercial applications. However, since data on toxicity are barely available, their increasing application in cosmetic products, food and their release in the environment might cause severe problems. An accurate separation, identification and characterization of nanoparticles becomes increasingly important.
A common method for nanoparticle separation, which was introduced in 1976 by Giddings, represents asymmetrical field-flow fractionation (AF4). It is a flow based separation method, which can be theoretically used to separate particles range from 1 nm to 50 µm. However, when the particles are smaller than 10 nm, separation with AF4 will become difficult to perform. Because in this case strong separation force, which induces aggregation of particles, should be applied. This will decrease recoveries of analytes and limit its application in accurate quantitative analysis. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is another well-developed separation technique, in which samples will be separated in relation to their electrophoretic mobility. In recent years, CE has been used to separate different kinds of nanoparticles like, gold colloids or CdSe Quantum dots. However, till now only separation of particles smaller than 50 nm was reported. Because large size distribution of bigger particles will result in strong peak broadening and long separation time.
A two-dimensional coupling of AF4 and CE might provide us a new separation method, which can extend the separation ranges of both methods and be a way to characterise particles with large size distributions.
Nowadays, different nanoparticles have been developed for commercial applications. However, since data on toxicity are barely available, their increasing application in cosmetic products, food and their release in the environment might cause severe problems. An accurate separation, identification and characterization of nanoparticles becomes increasingly important.
A common method for nanoparticle separation, which was introduced in 1976 by Giddings, represents asymmetrical field-flow fractionation (AF4). It is a flow based separation method, which can be theoretically used to separate particles range from 1 nm to 50 µm. However, when the particles are smaller than 10 nm, separation with AF4 will become difficult to perform. Because in this case strong separation force, which induces aggregation of particles, should be applied. This will decrease recoveries of analytes and limit its application in accurate quantitative analysis. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is another well-developed separation technique, in which samples will be separated in relation to their electrophoretic mobility. In recent years, CE has been used to separate different kinds of nanoparticles like, gold colloids or CdSe Quantum dots. However, till now only separation of particles smaller than 50 nm was reported. Because large size distribution of bigger particles will result in strong peak broadening and long separation time.
A two-dimensional coupling of AF4 and CE might provide us a new separation method, which can extend the separation ranges of both methods and be a way to characterise particles with large size distributions.
The successful off-line coupling of asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation (AF4) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) for Separation of nanoparticles (NPs) with different surface coatings was shown.
Two mixtures of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) with comparable core sizes (20 nm and 50 nm) but different coatings (no coating/carboxyl-coated) were studied. Separation in either method resulted in non-baseline resolved or non-separated peaks. In contrast, two-dimensional off-line coupling of AF4 and CE resulted in clearly separated regions in their 2 D plots and can obviouly improve separation resolution.
The ability to controllably move gaseous ions is an essential aspect of ion-based spectrometry (e.g., mass spectrometry and ion mobility spectrometry) as well as materials processing. At higher pressures, ion motion is largely governed by diffusion and multiple collisions with neutral gas molecules. Thus, high-pressure ion optics based on electrostatics require large fields, radio frequency drives, complicated geometries, and/or partially transmissive grids that become contaminated. Here, we demonstrate that low-power standing acoustic waves can be used to guide, block, focus, and separate beams of ions akin to electrostatic ion optics. Ions preferentially travel through the static-pressure regions (“nodes”) while neutral gas does not appear to be impacted by the acoustic field structure and continues along a straight trajectory. This acoustic ion manipulation (AIM) approach has broad implications for ion manipulation techniques at high pressure, while expanding our fundamental understanding of the behavior of ions in gases.
Electromagnetic stirring is known to promote material flow, reduce porosity, uniform elements distribution, and refine grain in laser beam welding (LBW), which enhances the applicability of LBW in various industries. In this study, a phase-field model of dendrite growth in AA5754 Al alloy electromagnetic stirring laser beam welding was established. The model considered the thermal electromagnetic Lorentz force resulting from the interaction between the electric field generated by the Seebeck effect and the magnetic field, as well as the temperature gradient and solidification rate of the solidification interface obtained from the computational fluid dynamics electromagnetic stirring LBW model. The variation rules of dendrite growth with different magnetic parameters and effects are analyzed. Comprehensively, the magnetic field promotes the solidification rate, thus promoting interfacial instability and a large magnetic flux density leads to a faster interface instability. The solidification rate as well as the temperature gradient affect the growth rate, and the accelerated growth caused by the so lidification rate with a high frequency and a large magnetic flux density effectively inhibits the slow growth caused by the temperature gradient. The thermal electromagnetic Lorentz force is the main factor for the branch increment at low frequencies, while both thermal electromagnetic Lorentz force and temperature gradient in crease the number of branches at high frequencies. The calculated average branch numbers considering various factors in the stable stage under different magnetic parameters were consistent with the results of the scanning electron microscope tests.
The elemental analysis of seawater is often critical to the understanding of marine chemistry, marine geochemistry, and the deep-sea ecosystems. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with the advantage of rapid multi-elements detection, has a great potential for in-situ elemental analysis of seawater. In practice, it is crucial to create a compact, low cost and power saving instrument for the long-term deep-sea observation. A recently appeared diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser seems to be a promising candidate as it is both compact and robust. Additionally, its high repetition rate up to hundreds of kHz can provide a considerable throughput for LIBS analysis. However, the DPSS lasers operate at moderate pulse energies, usually less than one mJ, which cannot sustain stable breakdowns in bulk water. To ensure stable laser-induced plasmas underwater with such a μJ-DPSS laser, we introduced an ultrasound source to assist the breakdown process. The phase interface and mass flow generated by the near-field ultrasound can greatly reduce the breakdown threshold and enhance element-specific emissions. Meanwhile, the high repetition-rate pulses can also improve the breakdown probability and generate unique emission lines originated from the water molecule. We further demonstrate that the high repetition-rate DPSS laser combined with the Echelle spectrometer can provide effective quantitative analysis for metal elements in bulk water.
Boron isotope fractionation in soil-plant systems and its influence on biogeochemical cycling
(2022)
Boron (B) is an essential mineral nutrient for higher plants. Although B plant nutrition is well studied, the B isotope fractionation at the soil-plant interface, within plant metabolism, and its influence on biogeochemical cycling is not fully understood. Boron concentrations and isotope variations (δ11B) of the dicotyledonous plants of Chenopodium album and Brassica napus and their growing soils along a climatic gradient were analyzed to decipher these unresolved issues of the B behavior. The boron concentrations and δ11B values show an increasing trend from roots to leaves for both plants, while a decreasing trend from flower to shell and to seed for Brassica napus. A large boron isotope fractionation occurs within the plants with median Δ11Bleaf-root ≈ +20‰, which is related to different boron transporters and transportation ways. Formation of borate dimerized rhamnogalacturonan II in cell and B(OH)3 transportation in xylem lead to heavier δ11B values from root to stem and leaf while B(OH)4 transportation in phloem lead to lighter δ11B values from flower to shell and seed. Although samples cover a distinct transect with systematically different climatic conditions, Δδ11B within the individual plant compartments and between the bulk plants and the soil available B do not show any systematic variation.
This suggests that B uptake from the soil into Chenopodium album and Brassica napus occurs without a distinct isotope fractionation at the soil-plant interface (median Δ11Bbulkplant-soil = 0.2‰) and plants are able to regulate boron uptake. Both the observed large B fractionation within plant and low or absent B isotope fractionation at the soil-plant interface may have profound implications for the biological and geological B cycle. If this observed boron behavior also exists in other plants, their litters would be an important source for exporting 11B-rich biological material from continental ecosystems via rivers to the global oceans. This may be helpful for the explanation of ocean B cycle and the increasing δ11B values over the Cenozoic.
Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth. Lack of valid methods for pretreatment and measurement of δ11B in plant restrict applications of it in the biosphere. Dry ashing, one step cation exchange and micro-sublimation were combined to separate and purify boron (B) in plant tissues. The low procedure blank, high B recovery and the accurate δ11B values of the plant reference materials demonstrate that this method is suitable and valid for B pretreatment and δ11B measurement in plant samples by MC-ICP-MS. Based on this method, the δ11B in different plants (Brassica napus, Chenopodium album L, moss, lichen, and Nostoc commune) was analyzed. For Brassica napus, δ11B increased gradually from root to leaf, and then decreased to rapeseed. For the same parts, the δ11B increased from the lower parts to the higher parts. This variation may be due to the B(OH)3 transporter of NIP6;1 and the incorporation of B into the cell. The reason for lower δ11B values in shell and rapeseed compared to those in leaves presumably is to the preferred Transport of borate in the phloem. The largest δ11B fractionation between leaf and root in Brassica napus and Chenopodium album L was +24.2‰ and +26.6‰, respectively. The large variation and fractionation of δ11B within plants indicates that δ11B is a good tracer to study the B translocation mechanisms and metabolism within plants. The δ11B in Nostoc commune, lichen, and moss showed variations of -4.1‰ to +21.5‰, −9.4‰ to +7.3‰, and −18.3‰ to +11. 9‰, respectively. In the same site, δ11B in different plants ranked Nostoc commune>moss>lichen and δ11B in mosses growing in different environment ranked soil>tree>rock. Rain and soil available B are the main B sources for these plants. The δ11B in Nostoc commune, lichen, and moss may be a useful tracer to study the atmospheric B input. In the future, plants culture experiments under certain environments and studies from molecular level are necessary to decipher the variation of δ11B and fractionation mechanisms within plants.
XAFS@BAMline
(2018)
X-ray Absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) is a frequently employed technique in order to investigate structural composition and Change of chemical compounds such as catalytic species or corrosion processes. These structural properties are essential (i) to understand underlying reaction mechanism and (ii) to further improve the design of materials.
While XAFS measurements are usually performed with ionization Chambers or simple fluorescence detectors, we at BAMline specialize in measurements with innovative set-ups that meet Specialrequirements such as time resolution, (3D-) spatial Resolution or demanding sample environments.
This contribution presents various available XAFS configurations with their corresponding applications. In particular, these comprise single -shot XAFS for time- resolved measurements, grazing-exit XAFS with energy and a spatially resolved detector for the characterization of thin films and an in situ grazing incidence Setup for the characterization of corrosion layers.
Additionally,the possibility of analyzing Minute samples in total-reflection geometry is demonstrated.
X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) is a frequently employed technique in order to investigate structural composition and change of chemical compounds such as catalytic species. These structural properties are essential (i) to understand underlying reaction mechanism and (ii) to further improve the design of efficient catalysts.
This investigation is based on a newly developed XAFS setup comprising both time- and lateral-resolved XAFS information simultaneously in a single-shot (S2XAFS). The primary broadband beam is generated by a filter/X-ray-mirror combination (bandpass). The transmitted beam through the sample is diffracted by a convexly bent Si (111) crystal, producing a divergent beam. This, in turn, is collected by an area sensitive detector with a theta to 2 theta geometry. This facile, stable and scanningless setup was tested at the BAMline @ BESSY-II (Berlin, Germany).
This contribution focuses on further experimental optimizations allowing the characterization of supported vanadium oxide (VOx) based catalysts at the lower hard X-ray regime (5 to 6 keV). First S2XAFS measurements of these catalysts are presented herein. Supported VOx catalysts show promising results in the oxidation of methane to formaldehyde.
S2XAFS allows determining the structural composition of the metal (i.e. vanadium) based on a fast and smart setup. It is therefore an ideal tool to identify crucial roles of chemical compounds in catalytic reactions.
We investigated the performance of nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmospheric-pressure plasma mass spectrometry (MICAP-MS) under matrix effects and its applicability to trace element analysis in steels. Influences of different gas flows and ion optics on the matrix tolerance are studied, indicating that nebulizer gas flow has the most significant impact. Optimization of ion optics improves matrix tolerance for light elements due to the reduction of the inelastic collisional scattering effect. With optimized operating conditions, MICAP-MS achieves an internal standard intensity recovery of over 90% at an Fe concentration of 500 mg L−1. Even at an Fe concentration of 1 g L−1, the recovery remains above 80%. Three certified reference materials – non-alloy, low-alloy and high-alloy steel – were analyzed using MICAP-MS. The determined mass concentrations of the trace and minor components show metrological compatibility to the reference values. No significant differences are observed between the results obtained with aqueous and matrix-matched calibration, demonstrating the strong matrix tolerance of MICAP-MS, and its promising applicability to steel analysis.
An alternative method for lithium isotope amount ratio analysis based on a combination of high-resolution atomic absorption spectrometry and spectral data analysis by machine learning (ML) is proposed herein. It is based on the well-known isotope shift of approximately 15 pm for the electronic transition 22P←22S at around the wavelength of 670.8 nm, which can be measured by the state-of-the-art high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. For isotope amount ratio analysis, a scalable tree boosting ML algorithm (XGBoost) was employed and calibrated using a set of samples with 6Li isotope amount fractions, ranging from 0.06 to 0.99 mol mol–1, previously determined by a multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). The calibration ML model was validated with two certified reference materials (LSVEC and IRMM-016). The procedure was applied toward the isotope amount ratio determination of a set of stock chemicals (Li2CO3, LiNO3, LiCl, and LiOH) and a BAM candidate reference material NMC111 (LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2), a Li-battery cathode material. The results of these determinations were compared with those obtained by MC-ICP-MS and found to be metrologically comparable and compatible. The residual bias was −1.8‰, and the precision obtained ranged from 1.9 to 6.2‰. This precision was sufficient to resolve naturally occurring variations, as demonstrated for samples ranging from approximately −3 to +15‰. To assess its suitability to technical applications, the NMC111 cathode candidate reference material was analyzed using high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry with and without matrix purification. The results obtained were metrologically compatible with each other.
The therapeutic dose of lithium (Li) compounds, which are widely used for the treatment of psychiatric and hematologic disorders, is close to its toxic level; therefore, drug monitoring protocols are mandatory. Herein, we propose a fast, simple, and low-cost analytical procedure for the traceable determination of Li concentration in human serum, based on the monitoring of the Li isotope dilution through the partially resolved isotope shift in its electronic transition around 670.80 nm using a commercially available high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. With this technique, serum samples only require acidic digestion before analysis. The procedure requires three measurements—an enriched 6Li spike, a mixture of a certified standard solution and spike, and a mixture of the sample and spike with a nominal 7Li/6Li ratio of 0.82. Lanthanum has been used as an internal spectral standard for wavelength correction. The spectra are described as the linear superposition of the contributions of the respective isotopes, each consisting of a spin-orbit doublet, which can be expressed as Gaussian components with constant spectral position and width and different relative intensity, reflecting the isotope ratio in the sample. Both the spectral constants and the correlation between isotope ratio and relative band intensity have been experimentally obtained using commercially available materials enriched with Li isotopes. The Li characteristic mass (mc) obtained corresponds to 0.6 pg. The procedure has been validated using five human serum certified reference materials. The results are metrologically comparable and compatible to the certified values. The measurement uncertainties are comparable to those obtained by the more complex and expensive technique, isotope dilution mass spectrometry.
The climate and energy crisis are extreme challenges. One possible solution could be hydrogen technology. Safety is a big concern. Steel used for pipelines and storage is under permanent stress from low temperatures and high pressures. The content of different alloyed metals determines the performance of the steel. Nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmosphere pressure plasma mass spectrometry (N2-MICAP-MS) is a promising method for trace metal analysis in steel. Nitrogen is cheap and can be generated on site. It has fewer interferences than argon. Additionally, MICAP-MS is very matrix tolerant, proving the matrix-matched calibration expendable. Safety in technology and chemistry is the mission of BAM. Providing reference methods and materials can create trust in future technologies like hydrogen.
Research into new sources for EUV lithography is driving advancements in experimental methods tailored for this short wavelength range. This progress enables the exploration of spectroscopic techniques aimed at monitoring electronic transitions within this energy spectrum. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) serves as a rapid tool for elemental analysis, primarily established in the UV-vis range. However, LIBS encounters challenges such as limited repeatability precision and elevated background noise resulting from continuum radiation.
In parallel, laser-induced extreme UV spectroscopy (LIXS) delves into the initial stages of plasma evolution, characterized by the emergence of soft X-ray and extreme UV radiation. The method benefits from a fast timeframe and constrained plasma confinement, leading to better precision. Nevertheless, LIXS encounters convoluted spectra arising from unresolved transition arrays (UTA), particularly pronounced for heavier elements. This complexity renders conventional univariate data analysis impractical, demanding the adoption of a multivariate data analysis approach.
Multiple cathode samples, each coated with varying stoichiometries of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), were prepared and used for calibration purposes. Through the application of Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression, a robust correlation with an R2 value exceeding 0.97 was achieved. The LIXS technique underwent a comparative evaluation against UV-vis LIBS. Furthermore, a comparison between univariate and multivariate analysis approaches was conducted, incorporating validation through y-randomization to mitigate overfitting risks.
The viability of this approach was confirmed through the testing of an NMC reference material. The results showed metrological compatibility with reference values, underscoring the potential capability of the proposed methodology.
Laser-induced XUV spectroscopy (LIXS) is an emerging technique for elemental mapping. In comparison to conventional laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in UV-vis (LIBS), it has a higher precision and wider dynamic range, and it is well suited for the quantification light elements like lithium and fluorine. Further it can spot oxidation states. The XUV spectra are produced at a very early stage of the plasma formation. Therefore, effects from plasma evolution on the reproducibility can be neglected. It has been shown, that high-precision elemental quantification in precursor materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can be performed using LIXS. Based on these results, LIXS mapping was used to investigate aging processes in LIBs. Different cathode materials with varying compositions of fluorine containing polymer binders were compared at different stages of aging. Due to effects comparable to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy but in reverse, monitoring of changes in the oxidation state is envisioned, which makes information about the chemical environment of the observed elements accessible. The combination of elemental distribution and structural information leads to a better understanding of aging processes in LIBs, and the development of more sustainable and safe batteries.
The application of multivariate data analysis is essential in extracting the full potential of laser-induced XUV spectroscopy (LIXS) for high-precision elemental mapping. LIXS offers significant advantages over traditional laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in UV-vis (LIBS), including higher precision and a wider dynamic range,[1,2] while making it possible to determine light elements like lithium and fluorine. However, it is challenged by the presence of unresolved transition arrays (UTAs) for heavier elements. These UTAs add considerable complexity to the spectral data, often concealing crucial information. In this study, we employ well-established multivariate data analysis techniques and intensive data preprocessing to unravel this contained information.
The refined analysis reveals a high level of detail, enabling the precise identification of inhomogeneities within material samples. Our approach has particular relevance for studying aging processes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), specifically in relation to varying cathode materials and fluorine-containing polymer binder content. By combining elemental distribution with structural information, this improved method can offer a more comprehensive understanding of sample inhomogeneities and aging processes in LIBs, contributing to the development of more reliable and sustainable battery technologies.
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are one technology to overcome the challenges of climate and energy crisis. They are widely used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, or as storage for renewable energy sources. However, despite innovations in batteries' components like cathode and anode materials, separators, and electrolytes, the aging mechanism related to metallic aluminum current collector degradation causes a significant drop in their performance and prevents the durable use of LIBs. Glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD-OES) is a powerful method for depth-profiling of batteries' electrode materials. This work investigates aging-induced aluminum deposition on commercial lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) batteries' cathodes. The results illustrate the depth-resolved elemental distribution from the cathode surface to the current collector. An accumulation of aluminum is found on the cathode surface by GD-OES, consistent with results from energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) combined with focused ion beam (FIB) cutting. In comparison to FIB-EDX, GD-OES allows a fast and manageable depth-profiling. Results from different positions on an aged cathode indicate an inhomogeneous aluminum film growth on the surface. The conclusions from these experiments can lead to a better understanding of the degradation of the aluminum current collector, thus leading to higher lifetimes of LIBs.
Investigation of degradation of the aluminum current collector in lithium-ion batteries by GD-OES
(2022)
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are one technology to overcome the challenges of climate and energy crisis. They are widely used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, or as storage for renewable energy sources. However, despite innovations in batteries' components like cathode and anode materials, separators, and electrolytes, the aging mechanism related to metallic aluminum current collector degradation causes a significant drop in their performance and prevents the durable use of LIBs. Glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD-OES) is a powerful method for depth-profiling of batteries' electrode materials. This work investigates aging-induced aluminum deposition on commercial lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) batteries' cathodes. The results illustrate the depth-resolved elemental distribution from the cathode surface to the current collector. An accumulation of aluminum is found on the cathode surface by GD-OES, consistent with results from energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) combined with focused ion beam (FIB) cutting. In comparison to FIB-EDX, GD-OES allows a fast and manageable depth-profiling. Results from different positions on an aged cathode indicate an inhomogeneous aluminum film growth on the surface. The conclusions from these experiments can lead to a better understanding of the degradation of the aluminum current collector, thus leading to higher lifetimes of LIBs.
Aging Mechanisms of Lithium Batteries: How can we make batteries more durable and more sustainable in the future?
Lithium batteries are particularly susceptible to ageing processes. During each charging and discharging process in an electric battery, lithium ions are deposited in the electrodes of the cell like in the pores of a sponge. Over time, however, fractures and cracks occur in the filigree structures. The result: more and more lithium ions no longer fit into the hollow spaces of the „sponge“, instead they accumulate in heaps around the electrodes and hinder the movement of other ions. The performance of the battery decreases.
We present our new project, in which we are developing a fast and cost-effective method with which companies that produce lithium batteries can already assess the ageing behaviour of their batteries in the laboratory.
Introduction
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are one key technology to overcome the climate crisis and energy transition challenges. Demands of electric vehicles on higher capacity and power drives research on innovative cathode and anode materials. These high energy-density LIBs are operated at higher voltages, leading to increased electrolyte decay and the current collectors' degradation. Even though this fundamental corrosion process significantly affects battery performance, insufficient research is being done on the aluminum current collector. Fast and convenient analytical methods are needed for monitoring the aging processes in LIBs.
Methods
In this work glow-discharge optical emission spectrometry (GD-OES) was used for depth profile analysis of aged cathode material. The measurements were performed in pulsed radio frequency mode. Under soft and controlled plasma conditions, high-resolution local determination (in depth) of the elemental composition is possible. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with a focused ion beam (FIB) cutting and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to confirm GD-OES results and obtain additional information on elemental distribution.
Results
The aging of coin cells manufactured with different cathode materials (LCO, LMO, NMC111, NMC424, NMC532, NMC622, and NMC811) was studied. GD-OES depth profiling of new and aged cathode materials was performed. Quantitative analysis was possible through calibration with synthetic standards and correction by sputter rate. Different amounts of aluminum deposit on the cathode surface were found for different materials. The deposit has its origin in the corrosion of the aluminum current collector. The results are compatible with results from FIB-EDX. However, GD-OES is a faster and less laborious analytical method. Therefore, it will accelerate research on corrosion processes in high energy-density batteries.
Innovative aspects
- Quantitative depth profiling of cathode material
-Monitoring of corrosion processes in high energy-density lithium-ion batteries
- Systematic investigation of the influence of different cathode materials
An alternative method for lithium isotope amount ratio analysis is proposed by combining atomic absorption spectrometry with spectra data analysis by machine leaning. It is based on the well-known isotope shift of around 15 pm for the electronic transition at wavelength 670.7845 nm which can be measured by a high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometer (HR-CS-AAS). For isotope amount ratio analysis, a scalable three boosting machine learning algorithm (XGBoost) was employed and calibrated with a set of samples with a 6Li isotope amount fraction ranging from 99% to 6%. The absolute Li isotope amount fractions of these calibration samples were previously measured by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and used as ab-initio data for the machine learning algorithm. Validation of the machine leaning model was performed with two standard reference materials (LSVEC and IRMM-016). The procedure was employed for the isotope amount ratio determination of a set of stock chemicals (Li2CO3, LiNO3, LiCl, LiOH, and LiF) as well as a BAM candidate LiMNC cathode reference material. Achieved uncertainties are one order of magnitude higher than those obtained by MC-ICP-MS. This precision and accuracy is nonetheless sufficient to resolve natural occurring variations in Lithium isotope ratios. Also, the LiMNC material was analyzed by HR-CS-AAS with and without matrix purification. The results are comparable within statistical error.
An alternative method for lithium isotope amount ratio analysis is proposed by combining atomic absorption spectrometry with spectra data analysis by machine leaning. It is based on the well-known isotope shift of around 15 pm for the electronic transition at wavelength 670.7845 nm which can be measured by a high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometer (HR-CS-AAS). For isotope amount ratio analysis, a scalable three boosting machine learning algorithm (XGBoost) was employed and calibrated with a set of samples with a 6Li isotope amount fraction ranging from 99% to 6%. The absolute Li isotope amount fractions of these calibration samples were previously measured by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and used as ab-initio data for the machine learning algorithm. Validation of the machine leaning model was performed with two standard reference materials (LSVEC and IRMM-016). The procedure was employed for the isotope amount ratio determination of a set of stock chemicals (Li2CO3, LiNO3, LiCl, LiOH, and LiF) as well as a BAM candidate LiMNC cathode reference material. Achieved uncertainties are one order of magnitude higher than those obtained by MC-ICP-MS. This precision and accuracy is nonetheless sufficient to resolve natural occurring variations in Lithium isotope ratios. Also, the LiMNC material was analyzed by HR-CS-AAS with and without matrix purification. The results are comparable within statistical error.
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are one technology to overcome the challenges of climate and energy crisis. They are widely used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, or as storage for renewable energy sources. However, despite innovations in batteries' components like cathode and anode materials, separators, and electrolytes, the aging mechanism related to metallic aluminum current collector degradation causes a significant drop in their performance and prevents the durable use of LIBs.[1] Glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD-OES) is a powerful method for depth-profiling of batteries' electrode materials. This work investigates aging-induced aluminum deposition on commercial lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) batteries' cathodes. The results illustrate the depth-resolved elemental distribution from the cathode surface to the current collector. An accumulation of aluminum is found on the cathode surface by GD-OES, consistent with results from energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) combined with focused ion beam (FIB) cutting. In comparison to FIB-EDX, GD-OES allows a fast and manageable depth-profiling. Results from different positions on an aged cathode indicate an inhomogeneous aluminum film growth on the surface. The conclusions from these experiments can lead to a better understanding of the degradation of the aluminum current collector, thus leading to higher lifetimes of LIBs.
11 laser printers from 5 manufacturers were purchased in 2017 and tested for their UFP emissions. Size resolved sampling of the emitted particles was done with a 13 stage (30 nm to 10 µm) low pressure cascade impactor. The sampled particles were analysed for their chemical composition by thermal extraction (vaporization at 290°C) followed by GC-MS analysis. High boiling cyclic siloxanes (D10 to D16) were detected as constituents of UFP from laser printers. In comparison to measurements in 2008, aliphatic long-chain alkanes (C22 to C34) were detected additionally as chemical constituents of UFP from most of the tested printers and their amounts were higher than for cyclic siloxanes. Printers of one manufacturer showed very low UPF emissions compared to the other manufacturers.
The chemical emissions from products are tested by means of emission test chambers under defined conditions (climate, loading, air change rate). The standard method for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) is the sampling onto Tenax-tubes followed by thermal desorption (TDS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The EU-LCI list includes some very volatile organic compounds (VVOC) and some VOC for which there are limitations when using the standard method. For VVOC additional sampling is required using stronger absorbers like Carbotrap or multi-bed adsorption tubes. The analysis of VVOC also requires a different GC oven program and a different column for the separation. For the determination of formaldehyde and other low boiling aldehydes (e.g. acetaldehyde, acetone, propanal, propenal) DNPH-cartridges are used which are extracted with acetonitrile followed by liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) analysis. The derivatisation of propenal and other unsaturated aldehydes (e.g. 2-butenal) with DNPH might lead to lower findings due to incomplete derivatization and forming of by-products. For a better quantification of acetic acid the use of ion chromatography (IC) is recommended because the analysis of acetic acid with the standard method (TDS) leads to lower findings due to break through during sampling. The use of ion chromatography for the analysis of organic acids requires a third sampling technique. The acids are adsorbed onto silica-gel and extracted with water.
11 laser printers from 5 manufacturers were purchased in 2017 and tested for their UFP emissions. Size resolved sampling of the emitted particles was done with a 13 stage (30 nm to 10 µm) low pressure cascade impactor. The sampled particles were analysed for their chemical composition by thermal extraction (vaporization at 290°C) followed by GC-MS analysis. High boiling cyclic siloxanes (D10 to D16) were detected as constituents of UFP from laser printers. In comparison to measurements in 2008, aliphatic long-chain alkanes (C22 to C34) were detected additionally as chemical constituents of UFP from most of the tested printers and their amounts were higher than for cyclic siloxanes. Printers of one manufacturer showed very low UPF emissions compared to the other manufacturers.
Test chamber measurements are an important tool to improve indoor air quality and occupational safety. Test chamber measurements are possible for a wide range of materials, products and technologies. Determination of concerning contaminants is important to ensure good indoor air quality. The detection of concerning contaminants depends on the approriate sampling and analysis.
Summary: A screening test for potential emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) was run on different thermoplastic filaments used for 3D printing. The method of direct thermal desorption was used to simulate the high temperatures during the 3D printing process and to identify the main compounds emitted from the filaments. A large number of unexpected compounds were detected that might affect the user’s health and have an impact on indoor air chemistry.
Introduction: The use of desktop 3D printers is increasing. Compared to other devices with known emissions, e.g. laser printers, there is still a lack of information on possible emissions of VOC and ultrafine particles during operation and the effect on indoor air quality. Most of the commercially available desktop 3D printers operate with a molten polymer deposition. For this process a solid thermoplastic filament is heated in an extrusion nozzle. Most filaments for desktop 3D printers use either acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polylactic acid (PLA) as filament. Alternatives are polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polycarbonate (PC).
Method: Eight different thermoplastic filaments for 3D printers were analysed by direct thermal desorption followed by GC-MS identification of the emitted substances. Direct thermal desorption was done by desorbing 5 mg of the feedstock for 1 minute at a temperature of 210°C. This is an average temperature for 3D printing with thermoplastic filaments.
Results and conclusions: The comparison of the 4 different filament groups showed the highest overall emissions from ABS, followed by PLA, PC and PVA. Filament ABS 2 emitted mainly SVOCs and triphenyl phosphate, the latter has the highest emission for a single compound from all evaluated filaments.
Thermoplastic filaments are a new source of VOC emissions due to the high temperatures associated with 3D printing, which can reach up to 270°C. Some of the detected compounds like lactic acid, lactide and bisphenol A have never been described before in the indoor environment. Additionally some of the main substances could not be identified and some others might have the potential to affect the indoor air chemistry.
The appearance of some newly detected compounds raises concerns about potential health effects for the users of 3D printers at home.
A novel stationary phase for affinity separations is presented. This material is based on sintered borosilicate glass readily available as semi-finished filter plates with defined porosity and surface area. The material shows fast binding kinetics and excellent long-term stability under real application conditions due to lacking macropores and high mechanical rigidity. The glass surface can be easily modified with standard organosilane chemistry to immobilize selective binders or other molecules used for biointeraction. In this paper, the manufacturing of the columns and their respective column holders by 3D printing is shown in detail. The model system protein A/IgG was chosen as an example to examine the properties of such monolithic columns under realistic application conditions. Several specifications, such as (dynamic) IgG capacity, pressure stability, long-term performance, productivity, non-specific binding, and peak shape, are presented. It could be shown that due to the very high separation speed, 250 mg antibody per hour and column can be collected, which surpasses the productivity of most standard columns of the same size. The total IgG capacity of the shown columns is around 4 mg (5.5 mg/mL), which is sufficient for most tasks in research laboratories. The cycle time of an IgG separation can be less than 1 minute. Due to the glass material's excellent pressure resistance, these columns are compatible with standard HPLC systems. This is usually not the case with standard affinity columns, limited to manual use or application in low-pressure systems. The use of a standard HPLC system also improves the ability for automation, which enables the purification of hundreds of cell supernatants in one day. The sharp peak shape of the elution leads to an enrichment effect, which might increase the concentration of IgG by a factor of 3. The final concentration of IgG can be around 7.5 mg/mL without the need for an additional nanofiltration step. The purity of the IgG was > 95% in one step and nearly 99% with a second polishing run.
A novel stationary phase for affinity separations is presented. This material is based on sintered borosilicate glass readily available as semi-finished filter plates with defined porosity and surface area. The material shows fast binding kinetics and excellent long-term stability under real application conditions due to lacking macropores and high mechanical rigidity. The glass surface can be easily modified with standard organosilane chemistry to immobilize selective binders or other molecules used for biointeraction. In this paper, the manufacturing of the columns and their respective column holders by 3D printing is shown in detail. The model system protein A/IgG was chosen as an example to examine the properties of such monolithic columns under realistic application conditions. Several specifications, such as (dynamic) IgG capacity, pressure stability, long-term performance, productivity, non-specific binding, and peak shape, are presented. It could be shown that due to the very high separation speed, 250 mg antibody per hour and column can be collected, which surpasses the productivity of most standard columns of the same size. The total IgG capacity of the shown columns is around 4 mg (5.5 mg/mL), which is sufficient for most tasks in research laboratories. The cycle time of an IgG separation can be less than 1 min. Due to the glass material’s excellent pressure resistance, these columns are compatible with standard HPLC systems. This is usually not the case with standard affinity columns, limited to manual use or application in low-pressure systems. The use of a standard HPLC system also improves the ability for automation, which enables the purification of hundreds of cell supernatants in one day. The sharp peak shape of the elution leads to an enrichment effect, which might increase the concentration of IgG by a factor of 3. The final concentration of IgG can be around 7.5 mg/mL without the need for an additional nano-filtration step. The purity of the IgG was > 95% in one step and nearly 99% with a second polishing run.
The syntheses and crystal structures of two cerium(IV) phosphonates are presented. Cerium(IV) bis(phenylphosphonate) Ce(O3PC6H5)2 1 can be formed from precipitation and mechanochemical reaction, whereas cerium(IV) bis(carboxymethylphosphonate) monohydrate Ce(O3PCH2COOH)2 H2O 2 is only accessible via ball milling. All reactions proceed very fast and are completed within a short time span. In situ measurements for the syntheses of 1 show that the product occurs within seconds or a few minutes, respectively. The structures were solved from powder X-ray diffraction data.
Inputs of plastic impurities into the environment via the application of fertilizers are regulated in Germany and the EU by means of ordinances. Robust and fast analytical methods are the basis of legal regulations. Currently, only macro- and large microplastic contents (>1 mm) are measured. Microplastics (1–1,000 µm), are not yet monitored. Thermal analytical methods are suitable for this purpose, which can determine the mass content and can also be operated fully automatically in routine mode. Thermal extraction desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) allows the identification of polymers and the determination of mass contents in solid samples from natural environments. In accordance with the German or European Commission (EC) Fertiliser Ordinance, composting plants should be monitored for microplastic particles with this method in the future. In this context a compost plant was sampled. At the end of the rotting process, the compost was sieved and separated in a coarse (>1 mm) and a fine fraction (<1 mm). The fine fraction was processed using density separation comparing NaCl and NaI as possible salt alternative and screened for microplastic masses by TED-GC/MS with additional validation and quality assurance experiments. With TED-GC/MS total microplastics mass contents of 1.1–3.0 μg/mg in finished compost could be detected with polyethylene mainly. What differs much to the total mass of plastics in the coarse fraction with up to 60 μg/mg, which were visually searched, identified via ATR-FTIR and gravimetrically weighted.
The scientific and practical challenge of detecting microplastics (MPs) in the environment in a targeted and rapid manner is solved by innovative coupling of thermogravimetric analysis with mass spectrometric methods.
Fast identification and quantitative determination of most thermoplastic polymers and elastomers is possible by using thermal extraction Desorption gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TED-GC–MS).
Im der Präsentation werden, neben der Möglichkeit der Mikroplastikquantifizierung, auf weitere Anwendungsfelder der Methode TED-GC/MS eigegangen. Dies beinhaltet die Erfassung von Degradationsprodukten UV/O2 geschädigter Polymere und die Detektion von Additiven. Die Optimierung der Methode betreffend Messzeit und materialspezifischer Messanforderung sind ebenfalls Gegenstand.
The CCQM-K148.a comparison was coordinated by the BIPM on behalf of the CCQM Organic Analysis Working Group for NMIs and DIs which provide measurement services in organic analysis under the CIPM MRA. It was undertaken as a "Track A" comparison within the OAWG strategic plan. CCQM-K148.a demonstrates capabilities for assigning the mass fraction content of a solid organic compound having moderate molecular complexity, where the compound has a molar mass in the range (75 - 500) g/mol and is non-polar (pKow < −2), when present as the primary organic component in a neat organic solid and where the mass fraction content of the primary component in the material is in excess of 950 mg/g.
Participants were required to report the mass fraction of Bisphenol A present in one supplied unit of the comparison material. Participants using a mass balance method for the assignment were also required to report their assignments of the impurity components present in the material. Methods used by the seventeen participating NMIs or DIs were predominantly based on either stand-alone mass balance (summation of impurities) or qNMR approaches, or the combination of data obtained using both methods. The results obtained using thermal methods based on freezing-point depression methods were also reported by a limited number of participants. There was excellent agreement between assignments obtained using all three approaches to assign the BPA content.
The assignment of the values for the mass fraction content of BPA consistent with the KCRV was achieved by most of the comparison participants with an associated relative standard uncertainty in the assigned value in the range (0.1 - 0.5)%.
The comparison required the assignment of the mass fraction of folic acid present as the main component in the comparison sample. Performance in the comparison is representative of a laboratory's measurement capability for the purity assignment of organic compounds of medium structural complexity [molecular weight range 300–500] and high polarity (pKOW < −2).
Methods used by the eighteen participating NMIs or DIs were based on a mass balance (summation of impurities) or qNMR approach, or the combination of data obtained using both methods. The qNMR results tended to give slightly lower values for the content of folic acid, albeit with larger associated uncertainties, compared with the results obtained by mass balance procedures. Possible reasons for this divergence are discussed in the report, without reaching a definitive conclusion as to their origin.
The comparison demonstrates that for a structurally complex polar organic compound containing a high water content and presenting a number of additional analytical challenges, the assignment of the mass fraction content property value of the main component can reasonably be achieved with an associated relative standard uncertainty in the assigned value of 0.5%
Analyse des Tausalzeintrages in Fahrbahndeckenbetone im Kontext der Alkali-Kieselsäure-Reaktion
(2018)
In den letzten Jahren sind im deutschen Bundesautobahnnetz (BAB-Netz) vermehrt AKR-Schäden an Betonfahrbahndecken aufgetreten, die zum Teil zu einer Halbierung ihrer geplanten Nutzungsdauer von 30 Jahren führte. Ursächlich hierfür ist die Verwendung alkaliempfindlicher Gesteinskörnung, die bei gleichzeitiger Anwesenheit von Wasser infolge der Exposition der Fahrbahndecke und dem alkalischen Milieu durch den Einsatz alkalireicher Portlandzemente bei der Betonherstellung zu einer Alkali-Kieselsäure-Reaktion (AKR) führt. Zusätzlich wird der AKR-Schädigungsprozess in Betonfahrbahndecken durch den externen Tausalzeintrag (primär NaCl) im Winter begünstigt. Vor diesem Hintergrund kommt der Ermittlung des Tausalzeintrags in den Fahrbahndeckenbeton eine große Bedeutung zu. Die Analyse des Tausalzeintrags erfolgte bisher ausschließlich nasschemisch an gemahlenen Bohrkernsegmenten. Nachteilig ist hierbei die fehlende differenzierte Betrachtung des Natriumgehaltes im Zementstein und in der Gesteinskörnung. Der alternative Einsatz von LIBS (Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) eröffnet in diesem Kontext neue Möglichkeiten. So wird in diesem Beitrag an Hand von Bohrkernen aus einem AKR-geschädigten BAB-Abschnitt exemplarisch die Vorgehensweise bei der LIBS-Analyse zur Ermittlung der Na- und interagierenden Cl-Verteilung an vertikalen Schnittflächen des Bohrkerns aufgezeigt. Da der Tausalzeintrag primär über den Zementstein erfolgt, wurde der verfälschende Na-Grundgehalt der Gesteinskörnung mittels Zementsteinkriteriums (Nutzung unterschiedlichen Ca-Gehalts in Zementstein und Gesteinskörnung) eliminiert. Vergleichend durchgeführte Cl-Mappings mit Mikroröntgenfluoreszenzanalyse (MRFA) belegen die Güte der durchgeführten LIBS-Messungen.
Aber auch bei der Verifizierung der Übertragbarkeit der Ergebnisse der zum Ausschluss reaktiver Gesteinskörnung bei Neubau und Erneuerung im BAB-Netz eingesetzten Performanceprüfungen mit externem Alkalieintrag auf Praxisverhältnisse hat sich das LIBSVerfahren bewährt. So wurde festgestellt, dass die mit NaCl-Lösung beaufschlagten Laborprüfkörper aus einem repräsentativen Fahrbahndeckenbeton bei der Klimawechsellagerung (KWL) über ihre gesamte Höhe von 10 cm einen Eintrag von Na und Cl erfahren. Weiterhin konnte im Gegensatz zu bisherigen Annahmen erstmals mit LIBS und Nasschemie gezeigt werden, dass die Frost-Tauwechsel-Phase bei der KWL zu keinem erhöhten Tausalzeintrag führt.
Die Fourier-Transformations-Infrarot-Spektroskopie (FTIR-Spektroskopie) stellt eine innovative und wirkungsvolle Methode zur Charakterisierung von Bitumen und bitumenhaltigen Bindemitteln dar. So erlaubt die FTIRCharakterisierung nicht nur eine Bewertung des Alterungsfortschritts eines Bindemittels, sondern zudem auch die Identifizierung von im Bitumen enthaltenen Additiven und Schadstoffen wie z. B. polyzyklischen aromatischen Kohlenwasserstoffen (PAK), die Ableitung verschiedener physikalischer und chemischer Kennwerte sowie weiterhin eine Klassifizierung von Bindemitteln nach verschiedenen übergeordneten Eigenschaften wie der Raffinerie, dem Alterungszustand und auch der Alterungsempfindlichkeit.
A poly(L-lactide) with a trifluoroethyl ester end group and an average degree of polymerization (DP) of 50 was synthesized by ROP of L-lactide initiated with trifluoroethanol. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in combination with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements revealed an average crystal thickness of 13 nm, corresponding to 45 repeat units. This suggests that most crystallites were formed by extended PLA chains, and both flat surfaces were covered by CF3 groups. The crystalline PLAs were annealed at 140 or 160 °C in the presence of two catalysts: tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, (SnOct2) or dibutyltin bis(pentafluorophenoxide) (BuSnPhF). The chemical reactions, such as polycondensation and cyclization, proceeded in the solid state and were monitored by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-offlight (MALDI TOF) mass spectrometry and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements. Under optimal conditions a large fraction of linear chains was transformed into crystallites composed of extended cycles. Additionally, MALDI TOF MS analysis of GPC fractions from samples annealed for 28 or 42 days detected chain elongation of the linear species up to a factor of 20.
SnOct2 (Sn(II) 2-ethylhexanoate) catalyzed ROPs of L-lactide were performed in bulk with eight different alcohols as initiators. The time was varied between 1 h and 24 h for all initiators. For two initiators the temperature was also lowered to 115 ◦C. Even-numbered chains were predominantly formed in all polymerizations at short times, but the rate of transesterification (e.g. even/odd equilibration) and the molecular weight distribution were found to depend significantly on the nature of the initiator. Observed transesterification reactions also continued in solid poly (L-lactide), and with the most active initiator, almost total equilibration was achieved even at 130 ◦C. This means that all chains including those of the crystallites were involved in transesterification reactions proceeding across the flat surfaces of the crystallites. The more or less equilibrated crystalline polylactides were characterized by DSC and SAXS measurements with regard to their melting temperature (Tm), crystallinity and crystal thickness.
The usefulness of seven different Tin catalysts, Bismuth subsalicylate and Titan tetra(ethoxide) for the polycondensation of ethyl L-lactate (ELA) was examined at 150 °C/6 d. Dibutyltin bis(phenoxides) proved to be particularly effective. Despite the low reactivity of ELA, weight average molecular masses (Mw) up to 12 500 were found along with partial crystallization. Furthermore, polylactides (PLAs) of similar molecular masses were prepared via ELA-initiated ROPs of L-lactide by means of the four most effective polycondensation catalysts. The crystalline linear PLAs were annealed at 140 or 160 °C in the presence of these catalysts. The consequences of the transesterification reactions in the solid PLAs were studied by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI TOF) mass spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The results indicate that polycondensation and formation of cycles proceed in the solid state via formation of loops on the surface of the crystallites. In summary, five different transesterification reactions are required to explain all results.
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Aleksey I. Ekimov (prize share 1/3), Louis E. Brus (prize share 1/3), and Moungi G. Bawendi (prize share 1/3) for groundbreaking inventions in the field of nanotechnology, i.e., for the discovery and synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals, also termed quantum dots, that exhibit size-dependent physicochemical properties enabled by quantum size effects. This feature article summarizes the main milestones of the discoveries and developments of quantum dots that paved the road to their versatile applications in solid-state lighting, display technology, energy conversion, medical diagnostics, bioimaging, and image-guided surgery.
SWIR luminescent nanomaterials – key chemical parameters for bright probes for in vivo bioimaging
(2024)
A current challenge for studying physio-pathological phenomena and diseaserelated processes in living organisms with non-invasive optical bioimaging is the development of bright optical reporters that enable deep tissue penetration, a high detection sensitivity, and a high spatial and temporal resolution. The focus of this project are nanomaterials, which absorb and emit in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) between ~900–2500 nm where scattering, absorption, and autofluorescence of the tissue are strongly reduced compared to the visible and NIR.
Elemental impurities (EI) in medicinal products for human use are limited according to ICH guideline Q3D, which is in force since December 2017 in Europe and US.
As a consequenceconsequence, the relevant texts of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) have been modified to reflect and complement ICH Q3D, providing details on the analytical methods to be used. In those chapters (Ph. Eur. 2.4.20., USP <233>), it is stated that for the quantification of elemental impurities, certified reference materials (CRM) from a national metrology institute (NMI) or reference materials that are traceable to the CRM of an NMI should be used.
The Ph. Eur. has so far implemented elemental impurity standards of this type for the four most important elemental impurities i.e. those corresponding to ICH Q3D Class 1: lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic.
The poster provides details on the development of those four reference standards, which was undertaken in partnership with a major institute accredited CRM producer (JRC, European Commission), and a national metrology institute (BAM and PTB, Germany), and a Designated Institute and accredited CRM producer (BAM, Germany). The reference standards were established and characterised according to rigorous metrological principles and are supplied with extended supporting information as required for the intended use.
After successful completion of the project, the four reference standards have been added to the Ph.Eur. catalogue and are in distribution. It is expected that another three elemental impurity standards will be implemented and made available to users within the next three years.
Stable isotope ratios and trace element concentrations of fossil bones and teeth are important geochemical proxies for the reconstruction of diet and past environment in archaeology and palaeontology. However, since diagenesis can significantly alter primary diet-related isotope signatures and elemental compositions, it is important to understand and quantify alteration processes. Here, we present the results of in-vitro Alteration experiments of dental tissues from a modern African elephant molar reacted in aqueous solutions at 30 °C and 90 °C for 4 to 63 days. Dental cubes with ≈ 3 mm edge length, comprising both enamel and dentin, were placed into 2 mL of acidic aqueous solution enriched in different isotopes (25Mg, 44Ca, 67Zn, 86Sr, initial pH 1). Element and isotope distribution profiles across the reacted cubes were measured with LA-(MC-)ICP-MS and EMPA, while potential effects on the bioapatite crystal structure were characterised by Raman spectroscopy. In all experiments isotope ratios measured by LA-(MC-)ICP-MS revealed an alteration of the enamel in the outer ≈ 200–300 μm. In contrast, dentin was fully altered (≈ 1.4 mm) after one week at 90 °C while the alteration did not exceed a depth of 150–200 μm during the 30 °C experiments. Then, the tracer solution started also to penetrate through the enamel-dentin junction into the innermost enamel, however, leaving the central part of the enamel unaltered, even after three months. The Raman spectra suggest an initial demineralisation in the acidic environment while organic matter (i.e. collagen) is still preserved. In the 90 °C experiment, Raman spectra of the v1 PO4) band of the dentin shift over time towards synthetic hydroxylapatite patterns and the Ca (and Sr) concentrations in the respective solutions decrease. This indicates precipitation of newly formed apatite. Isotope and element concentration profiles across the dental tissues reveal different exchange mechanisms for different isotope systems. Magnesium is leached from enamel and dentin, while Zn is incorporated into the apatite crystal structure. However, the distribution of both elements is not affected in the innermost enamel where their concentrations do not change over the whole duration of the experiments. We found no correlation of reaction depth in the cubes and experimental duration, which might be caused by natural variability of the dental material already at the beginning of the experiment. Our alteration experiments in a closed system at high temperatures ≤90 °C and low initial pH demonstrate that at least the central part of mm-thick mammalian enamel apatite seems to be resistant against alteration preserving its pristine bioapatite mineral structure as well as its in-vivo elemental and isotopic composition. The experiments assess diagenetic alteration in a novel multi-proxy approach using in-situ analyses in high spatial resolution. It is demonstrated that the isotopes of Ca, Sr, Zn and
Mg in the dentin are prone for diagenetic alteration, while enamel is more resistant against alteration and could be used for dietary and physiological reconstructions in fossil teeth.
Stable isotope ratios and trace element concentrations of fossil bones and teeth are important geochemical proxies for the reconstruction of diet and past environment in archaeology and palaeontology. However, since diagenesis can significantly alter in vivo incorporated isotope signatures and elemental compositions, it is important to understand alteration processes. Here, we present the results of in vitro alteration experiments of dental tissues from a modern African elephant molar in aqueous solutions at 30 °C and 90 °C for 4 to 63 days each. Dental cubes with ≈3 mm edge length, comprising both enamel and dentin, were placed into 2 ml of an acidic (HNO3) aqueous solution (pH ≈1) enriched with different isotopes (25Mg, 44Ca, 67Zn, 86Sr). Element and isotope distribution profiles across the different dental cubes were measured with LA-(MC-)ICP-MS and EMPA, while potential changes of the bioapatite crystal structure were characterised by Raman spectroscopy. Isotope ratios measured by LA-(MC-)ICP-MS revealed an alteration of the outer ≈200-300 μm of the enamel in all experiments. Dentin was fully altered after one week (at 90 °C) and the tracer solution started to penetrate through the dentin even into the innermost enamel. However, the central part of the enamel remained unaltered. The Raman spectra suggest a strong recrystallization in the dentin and in the outer ≈40 μm of the enamel and a partial demineralisation of the outer rim of the cubes. Our results indicate that independent of time, temperature or low initial pH, enamel apatite shows a high resistance against the experimental alteration in structure and isotopic composition, in contrast to dentin apatite.
The interaction of microplastics with freshwater biota and their interaction with other stressors is still not very well understood. Therefore, we investigated the ingestion, excretion and toxicity of microplastics in the freshwater gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis.
MP ingestion was analyzed as tissues levels in L. stagnalis after 6–96 h of exposure to 5–90 μm spherical polystyrene (PS) microplastics. To understand the excretion, tissue levels were determined after 24 h of exposure followed by a 12 h–7 d depuration period. To assess the toxicity, snails were exposed for 28 d to irregular PS microplastics (<63 μm, 6.4–100,000 particles mL−1), both alone and in combination with copper as additional stressor. To compare the toxicity of natural and synthetic particles, we also included diatomite particles. Microplastics ingestion and excretion significantly depended on the particle size and the exposure/depuration duration. An exposure to irregular PS had no effect on survival, reproduction, energy reserves and oxidative stress. However, we observed slight effects on immune cell phagocytosis. Exposure to microplastics did not exacerbate the reproductive toxicity of copper. In addition, there was no pronounced difference between the effects of microplastics and diatomite. The tolerance towards microplastics may originate from an adaptation of L. stagnalis to particle-rich environments or a general stress resilience. In conclusion, despite high uptake rates, PS fragments do not appear to be a relevant stressor for stress tolerant freshwater gastropods considering current environmental levels of microplastics.
Small-molecule oxoanions are often imprinted noncovalently as carboxylates into molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), requiring the use of an organic counterion. Popular species are either pentamethylpiperidine (PMP) as a protonatable cation or tetraalkylammonium (TXA) ions as permanent cations. The present work explores the influence of the TXA as a function of their alkyl chain length, from methyl to octyl, using UV/vis absorption, fluorescence titrations, and HPLC as well as MD simulations. Protected phenylalanines (Z-L/D-Phe) served as templates/analytes. While the influence of the counterion on the complex stability constants and anion-induced spectral changes shows a monotonous trend with increasing alkyl chain length at the prepolymerization stage, the cross-imprinting/rebinding studies showed a unique pattern that suggested the presence of adaptive cavities in the MIP matrix, related to the concept of induced fit of enzyme−substrate interaction. Larger cavities formed in the presence of larger counterions can take up pairs of Z-X-Phe and smaller TXA, eventually escaping spectroscopic detection. Correlation of the experimental data with the MD simulations revealed that counterion mobility, the relative distances between the three partners, and the hydrogen bond lifetimes are more decisive for the response features observed than actual distances between interacting atoms in a complex or the orientation of binding moieties. TBA has been found to yield the highest imprinting factor, also showing a unique dual behavior regarding the interaction with template and fluorescent monomer. Finally, interesting differences between both enantiomers have been observed in both theory and experiment, suggesting true control of enantioselectivity. The contribution concludes with suggestions for translating the findings into actual MIP development.
Fluorescent sensory MIP (molecularly imprinted polymer) particles were combined with a droplet-based 3D microfluidic system for the selective determination of a prototype small-molecule analyte of environmental concern, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or 2,4-D, at nanomolar concentration directly in water samples. A tailor-made fluorescent indicator cross-linker was thus designed that translates the binding event directly into an enhanced fluorescence signal. The phenoxazinone-type cross-linker was co-polymerized into a thin MIP layer grafted from the surface of silica microparticles following a RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer) polymerization protocol. While the indicator cross-linker outperformed its corresponding monomer twin, establishment of a phase-transfer protocol was essential to guarantee that the hydrogen bond-mediated signalling mechanism between the urea binding site on the indicator cross-linker and the carboxylate group of the analyte was still operative upon real sample analysis. The latter was achieved by integration of the fluorescent core-shell MIP sensor particles into a modular microfluidic platform that allows for an in-line phasetransfer assay, extracting the analyte from aqueous sample droplets into the organic phase that contains the sensor particles. Real-time fluorescence determination of 2,4-D down to 20 nM was realized with the system and applied for the analysis of various surface water samples collected from different parts of the world.
In dieser Arbeit wurden drei verschiedene Nanomaterialien auf ihre Bindungsfähigkeit zu Proteinen untersucht. Zu Beginn standen dabei die Herstellung stabiler Dispersionen der einzelnen Nanopartikel und die Stabilität der gebildeten Konjugate im Vordergrund. Der Nachweis einer erfolgreichen Konjugatbildung, sprich der Beschichtung von Nanopartikel mit Proteinen, wurde sowohl qualitativ mittels DLS-Messungen als auch über quantitative Protein-Bestimmungen erbracht. Für die Quantifizierung konnten verschiedene Methoden eingesetzt werden. Neben der klassischen Vorgehensweise, welche indirekt über die Quantifizierung von ungebundenem Protein im Überstand erfolgt, konnten ihm Rahmen dieser Arbeit verschiedene direkte Bestimmungsmethoden entwickelt werden. So wurden mittels kolorimetrischer Tests, wie dem BCA-Assay und dem Bradford-Assay, Nanodiamantdispersionen mit Hilfe einer Korrekturwellenlänge vermessen und quantifiziert. Ebenso zum Einsatz kam die Methode der Aminosäureanalytik, welche aufgrund ihrer guten Rückführbarkeit auf Aminosäurestandards Ergebnisse mit hoher Richtigkeit generieren kann und ebenso die Detektion kleiner Proteinmengen möglich macht.
Nach den erfolgten quantitativen Betrachtungen wurden die Protein-beschichteten Nanopartikel auf ihre Anwendbarkeit als Analoga von Virus-like Particles (VLP) bei einer Immunisierung zur Gewinnung von polyklonalen Antikörpern gegen humanes Ceruloplasmin in Kaninchen überprüft. Es konnte mittels ELISA gezeigt werden, dass die Konjugate erfolgreich für die Herstellung von Antikörpern eingesetzt werden können und im zeitlichen Verlauf einer Immunisierung eine Steigerung des Antikörper-Titers zu erreichen ist.
Immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) is a widely used technique for purifying polyhistidine-tagged recombinant proteins. However, it often has practical limitations that require complex optimizations and additional steps for purification. In this study, we introduce functionalized corundum particles as a novel, efficient, and economical method for purifying recombinant proteins in a column-free format. The corundum surface is modified with amino silane APTES, followed by EDTA dianhydride, and then loaded with nickel ions. We used the Kaiser test to monitor the modification process and ICP-MS to quantify the metal-binding capacity. To evaluate the system, we used His-tagged protein A/G (PAG) mixed with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The corundum particles exhibited a binding capacity of approximately 3 mg of protein per gram of corundum or 2.4 mg per 1 mL of corundum suspension. We also examined cytoplasm obtained from different E. coli strains as an example of a complex matrix. Varying the imidazole concentration in the loading and washing buffers showed that higher concentrations during loading improved purity. Even with sample volumes as large as one liter, we successfully isolated recombinant proteins down to a concentration of 1 µg/mL. We found higher purity levels with corundum when comparing the corundum material to standard Ni–NTA agarose beads. We successfully purified His6-MBP-mSA2, a fusion protein comprising monomeric streptavidin and maltose-binding protein, from E. coli cytoplasm, demonstrating the method's applicability. We also purified SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD-His8 expressed in human Expi293F cells, confirming its suitability for mammalian cell culture supernatants. The material cost of the nickel-loaded corundum material (without regeneration) is estimated to be less than 30 cents per gram of functionalized support or 10 cents per milligram of isolated protein. Another advantage of this system is the exceptional physical and chemical stability of corundum particles. Overall, we have demonstrated that this novel material offers an efficient, robust, and cost-effective purification platform for His-tagged proteins, even in challenging, complex matrices and large sample volumes with low product concentrations. This method has potential applications in both small laboratories and large-scale industrial settings.
Bei der Erhaltung von Stahlbetonbauwerken ist der Chloridgehalt im Beton ein wichtiger Parameter zur Festlegung geeigneter Instandsetzungsmaßnahmen. Die bisher etablierten Verfahren basieren auf der nasschemischen Analyse einer Probe, Bohrmehl oder aufgemahlener Segmente eines Bohrkerns. Das Verfahren liefert einen Chloridgehalt je Tiefensegment, was mit einer starken Homogenisierung der Probe einhergeht, wodurch detaillierte Informationen zu Chloridunterschieden im Millimeterbereich verloren gehen. Eine alternative Methode ist die laserinduzierte Plasmaspektroskopie (LIBS), die nicht nur die quantitative ortsaufgelöste Bestimmung des Chloridgehalts im Bezug zur Zementmasse ermöglicht, sondern auch simultan detaillierte Informationen über die Verteilung vieler anderer chemischer Elemente liefert. Die räumliche Auflösung liegt in der Regel im Bereich von einigen Millimetern, kann aber bei Bedarf auf 0,1 mm oder weniger erhöht werden. Das neue Merkblatt B14 „Quantifizierung von Chlorid in Beton mit der laserinduzierten Plasmaspektroskopie (LIBS)“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Zerstörungsfreie Prüfungen (DGZfP) regelt und vereinheitlicht erstmals die zuverlässige und reproduzierbare Ermittlung des Chloridgehalts mit LIBS. In diesem Beitrag wird das Merkblatt vorgestellt und anhand praktischer Anwendungsbeispiele das Potenzial von LIBS für Fragestellungen in der Betonerhaltung verdeutlicht.
This technical note highlights the fact that CF-LIBS algorithms work in mole fractions, while results of spectrochemical analysis are usually reported in mass fractions or mass percent. Ignoring this difference and not converting mole fractions to mass fractions can lead to errors in reported concentrations determined by the CF-LIBS method and inadequate comparison of these concentrations with certified concentrations. Here, the key points of the CF-LIBS algorithm are reproduced and the formulae for converting a mole fraction to a mass fraction and vice versa are given. Several numerical examples are also given, which show that the greater the difference between the molar mass of an individual element in a sample and the average molar mass, the greater the discrepancy between the mole and mass fractions.
Two calibration-free (CF) LIBS approaches are used for the quantitative analysis of cement samples: the CF-LIBS based on the Boltzmann plot method and the Monte Carlo (MC) LIBS based on the iterative spectrum fitting. In CF-LIBS, the inverse problem is solved, i.e. the elemental concentrations are determined by the reconstruction of plasma parameters from spectra. The MC-LIBS technique solves the direct problem by finding the highest correlation between the model-generated and experimental spectrum. The accuracy of both calibration-free LIBS methods suffers from factors such as inaccurately determined instrumental function, the deviation of experimental plasma from the mathematical model used, not taking into account the collection geometry, and from the uncertainty of spectroscopic data. The both calibration-free LIBS approaches are first applied to synthetic spectra which perfectly suit the mathematical model of the method, i.e. the model of the uniform, isothermal, and stationary plasma. This test yields the accuracy of both the approaches for the ideal case. In addition, the accuracy of both the methods is investigated for non-uniform and non-isothermal plasma, because real laser-induced plasma often has high gradients in temperature and particle number densities. Finally, both calibration-free LIBS approaches are applied to experimental spectra obtained from cement samples. The figures of merits of two approaches are compared when working with both synthetic and experimental spectra.
Warfarin ist seit den 1950er Jahren einer der bekanntesten Gerinnungshemmer. Beim Menschen wird es bis heute zur Vorbeugung von Thrombose und der Behandlung von Vorhofflimmern und Arrhythmie eingesetzt. Doch schon einige Jahre vor der FDA Zulassung (U. S. Food and Drug Administration) als Medikament wurde es zur Bekämpfung von Nagetieren eingesetzt. Bis heute wurde es nur teilweise durch weitaus wirksamere antikoagulante Rodentizide (ARs) der zweiten Generation, sogenannte Superwarfarine, ersetzt.
In der Fachliteratur finden sich zahlreiche Beispiele für sekundäre und tertiäre Vergiftung mit ARs bei Wildtieren und anderen Nichtzieltieren. Bisher ist relativ wenig über die Bioakkumulation, Persistenz und Toxizität von ARs und deren Transformationsprodukten (TPs) in der terrestrischen und aquatischen Umwelt, sowie der Nahrungskette bekannt.
Um Einblicke in mögliche Transformations- und Abbauprozesse von Warfarin unter umweltrelevanten Bedingungen zu erhalten und um diese Einflüsse zu simulieren, wurde hierzu eine elektrochemische Reaktorzelle in Kopplung mit einem Massenspektrometer verwendet. So können mögliche Phase-I-Metabolite und sogenannte „oxidation products“ vorausgesagt werden. Hinsichtlich des Verhaltens während der Wasseraufbereitung in Kläranlagen wurden technisch relevante Prozesse wie Chlorung, UV-Bestrahlung und Ozonung in Modellen simuliert, um hier potenzielle Abbauwege und -prozesse aufzuklären. Gebildete Transformationsprodukte wurden daher mittels unterschiedlicher chromatografischer Verfahren getrennt und massenspektrometrisch identifiziert, charakterisiert und verglichen.
Warfarin ist seit den 1950er Jahren einer der bekanntesten Gerinnungshemmer. Beim Menschen wird es bis heute zur Vorbeugung von Thrombose und der Behandlung von Vorhofflimmern und Arrhythmie eingesetzt. Doch schon einige Jahre vor der FDA Zulassung (U. S. Food and Drug Administration) als Medikament wurde es zur Bekämpfung von Nagetieren eingesetzt. Bis heute wurde es nur teilweise durch weitaus wirksamere antikoagulante Rodentizide (ARs) der zweiten Generation, sogenannte Superwarfarine, ersetzt. In der Fachliteratur finden sich zahlreiche Beispiele für sekundäre und tertiäre Vergiftung mit ARs bei Wildtieren und anderen Nichtzieltieren. Bisher ist relativ wenig über die Bioakkumulation, Persistenz und Toxizität von ARs und deren Transformationsprodukten (TPs) in der terrestrischen und aquatischen Umwelt, sowie der Nahrungskette bekannt.
Um Einblicke in mögliche Transformations- und Abbauprozesse von Warfarin unter umweltrelevanten Bedingungen zu erhalten und um diese Einflüsse zu simulieren, wurde hierzu eine elektrochemische Reaktorzelle in Kopplung mit einem Massenspektrometer verwendet. So können mögliche Phase-I-Metabolite und sogenannte „oxidation products“ vorausgesagt werden. Hinsichtlich des Verhaltens während der Wasseraufbereitung in Kläranlagen wurden technisch relevante Prozesse wie Chlorung, UV-Bestrahlung und Ozonung in Modellen simuliert, um hier potenzielle Abbauwege und -prozesse aufzuklären. Gebildete Transformationsprodukte wurden daher mittels unterschiedlicher chromatografischer Verfahren getrennt und massenspektrometrisch identifiziert, charakterisiert und verglichen.
The most challenging part in performing a single cell ICP-MS (sc-ICP-MS) approach is the sample preparation, in particular the reduction of the ionic background. This step is, in many cases, time-consuming and required for each sample separately. Furthermore, sc-ICP-MS measurements are mostly carried out "manually", given the fact that present systems are not allowing for an automated change of samples. Thus, within this work, we developed an approach based on a HPLC system coupled on-line with sc-ICP-MS via a set of switching valves as well as an in-line filter for automated cell washing. This set-up enables the ionic background removal as well as analysis of single cells completely automated without any manual sample pretreatment. Our approach was applied for the analysis of the single celled diatom species Cyclotella meneghiniana, a marine diatom species, on the basis of Mg24 and facilitates testing in 11 min per sample, requiring only around 10,000 cells in a volume of 10 µL and approx. 10 mL of a 5% MeOH/95% deionized water (v/v) mixture. Even at extremely saline culturing media concentrations (up to 1000 mg L-1 magnesium) our on-line approach worked sufficiently allowing for distinction of ionic and particulate fractions. Furthermore, a set of diatom samples was analyzed completely automated without the need for changing samples manually. So, utilizing this approach enables analyzing a high quantity of samples in a short time and therefore in future the investigation of ecotoxicological effects is simplified for example in terms of metal accumulation by taking biovariability into account.
In the interest of exploring their potential in the field of single particle analysis, a Microdroplet Generator (MDG) was coupled to an ICP-ToF-MS.
Isotopic Dilution Analysis was also incorporated for the size determination of three different Platinum Nanoparticles samples (50, 63 and 70 nm). The performance of the technique was validated by comparison to traditional size characterization techniques (sp-ICP-ToF-MS, TEM), while the robustness of the technique was proven by incorporating NaCl in the samples’ matrix, up to 100 mg/L.
Zellen, als Grundeinheit für Organismen, bilden einen wesentlichen Eckpfeiler für das Leben. Die Untersuchung von einzelnen Zellen liefert wertvolle Einblicke in fundamentale Prozesse des Lebens. So können Anomalien auf der Zelleebene Indikatoren für Krankheiten sein und durch eine Analyse früh erkannt werden. Weiterhin kann durch ein tiefgreifendes Verständnis von Vorgängen in Zellen auch gezielt Forschung zu z.B. neuen Medikamenten betrieben werden. Damit können die Wirksamkeit erhöht und die Nebenwirkungen reduziert werden.
Rationale: (Eco-)toxicological effects are mostly derived empirically and are notcorrelated with metal uptake. Furthermore, if the metal content is determined,mostly bulk analysis of the whole organism population is conducted; thus, biologicalvariability is completely disregarded, and this may lead to misleading results. Toovercome this issue, we compared two different solid sampling techniques for theanalysis of single organisms.Methods: In this study, complementary electrothermal vaporization/inductivelycoupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV/ICP-MS) , laser ablation/inductivelycoupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA/ICP-MS)-based methods for the analysisof individual organisms were developed and the results obtained were comparedwith the concentrations obtained after digestion and measured using ICP-MS.For this purpose, a common (eco-)toxicological test organism, the mud shrimpCorophium volutator, was selected. As proof-of-concept application, these organismswere incubated with environmentally relevant metals from galvanic anodes, whichare often used for protection against metal corrosion in, for example, offshorewind farms.Results: The bulk analysis revealed that large quantities of the incubated elementswere detectable. Using the ETV/ICP-MS method, we could identify a highbiovariability within the population of organisms tested. Using the LA/ICP-MSmethod, it could be determined that the large quantities of the elements detectedwere due to adsorption of the metals and not due to uptake, which correlates wellwith the absence of (eco-)toxicological effects.Conclusions: The results obtained imply the efficiency of complementary methods toexplain the absence or presence of (eco-)toxicological effects. In particular, methodsthat allow for single-organism analysis or provide even a spatial resolution supportthe interpretation of ecotoxicological findings.
Within this work, the combination of a microdroplet generator and an ICP-ToF-MS for nanoparticle analysis is presented. For the size determination of platinum nanoparticles an on-line isotope dilution analysis approach was developed. The 194Pt/195Pt isotopic ratio was used for the characterization of the particles, while the 182W/183W isotopic ratio was monitored simultaneously for mass bias correction. The on-line ID-MDG-sp-ICP-ToF-MS approach was deployed for the size determination of three platinum nanoparticle samples (50 nm, 63 nm, 70 nm); for validation, complementary size characterization techniques (sp-ICP-ToF-MS and TEM) were used. The robustness of this technique was evidenced, by using sodium chloride concentrations up to 100 mg L−1 as a matrix component. Our new on-line ID MDG-sp-ICP-ToF-MS approach is a promising tool for the fast and reliable determination of nanoparticles' size in severe matrix concentrations, e.g., environmental samples.
Diatoms play a key role in assessing the eco-toxicology of metals and are already part of several national and international guidelines and regulations. Data on metal uptake and its correlation with a natural metal composition of the diatoms are mostly lacking on a cellular basis - mainly due to the lack of a suitable method on both the preparation and detection side. Therefore, within this work a fully automated approach based on the on-line coupling of a high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) and an inductively coupled plasma-time of flight-mass spectrometer (ICP-ToF-MS) was applied to analyze single cells of the alga Cyclotella meneghiniana multi-elementally in order to provide a deeper insight into the metal composition and its response to environmental stress. Multi-elemental analysis in single diatoms also enables assessment of combined toxicity of a set of metals. A set of four fingerprint elements, characteristically for diatoms (Mg, P, Si, Fe), were identified and hence the investigation of environmental stress onto the cells was enabled by performing incubation experiments with environmentally relevant toxic elements. It could be shown at moderate environmental stress caused by increasing the metal concentration in the medium (zinc) that the fingerprint element concentrations remained stable and thus the suitability of the selected elements for algae tracing was demonstrated. With regard to further ecotoxicological assessments, a multivariate approach was successfully applied allowing for cell classification upon different incubation concentration levels. This multivariate approach also facilitated an effective identification of three different diatom species (Cyclotella meneghiniana, Thalassiosira weissflogii and Thalassiosira pseudonana).
The introduction of fluorine in organic molecules leads to new chemical/physical properties. Especially in the field of pharmaceuticals, fluorinated organic molecules are becoming more and more popular and at present amount up to 25% of market share, with an upward trend. The main benefits of fluorinated pharmaceuticals are: (i) enhanced fat solubility; (ii) enhanced interaction of catalytic-center of enzymes with fluorine-drugs; (iii) a delayed metabolism within the human body. Highly fluorinated organic substances are also used in technical applications (e.g. coatings, fire-extinguishing agents).
Due to the broad variety of fluorinated substances and increasing production volumes numerous and up to date unknown fluorine-species are most likely to be present in the (aquatic) environment. Analytical methods to assess the degree of contamination of surface waters with organically bound fluorine are highly needed and up to now only combustion ion chromatography based method is available, which is relatively laborious.
Since a few years’ high resolution-continuum source-graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometers (HR-CS-GFAAS) are commercially available from Analytik Jena. By means of this technique, the detection of high resolution molecular absorption spectra (MAS) is enabled. Thus, fluoride is detectable upon the addition of a modifier and the formation of a diatomic molecule (e.g. GaF). Just recently, we applied this technique for total fluorine (mainly dissolved fluoride) analysis in river water samples.
In the present work a HR-CS-GFMAS method for extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF) analysis in surface water samples was developed by us. The method is based on SPE extraction of organically bound fluorine even in the presence of high fluoride concentrations followed by HR-CS-GFMAS analysis upon elution. Due to high enrichment factors, LODs in the low ng/L range were achieved. We successfully applied our SPE HR-CS-GFMAS method to Rhine water samples and EOF in the range of about 50-300 ng/L was detectable.
The introduction of fluorine in organic molecules leads to new chemical/physical properties. Especially in the field of pharmaceuticals, fluorinated organic molecules are becoming more and more popular and at present amount up to 25% of market share, with an upward trend. The main benefits of fluorinated pharmaceuticals are: (i) enhanced fat solubility; (ii) enhanced interaction of catalytic-center of enzymes with fluorine-drugs; (iii) a delayed metabolism within the human body. Highly fluorinated organic substances are also used in technical applications (e.g. coatings, fire-extinguishing agents).
Due to the broad variety of fluorinated substances and increasing production volumes numerous and up to date unknown fluorine-species are most likely to be present in the (aquatic) environment. Analytical methods to assess the degree of contamination of surface waters with organically bound fluorine are highly needed and up to now only combustion ion chromatography based method is available, which is relatively laborious.
Since a few years’ high resolution-continuum source-graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometers (HR-CS-GFAAS) are commercially available from Analytik Jena. By means of this technique, the detection of high resolution molecular absorption spectra (MAS) is enabled. Thus, fluoride is detectable upon the addition of a modifier and the formation of a diatomic molecule (e.g. GaF). Just recently, we applied this technique for total fluorine (mainly dissolved fluoride) analysis in river water samples.
In the present work a HR-CS-GFMAS method for extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF) analysis in surface water samples was developed by us. The method is based on SPE extraction of organically bound fluorine even in the presence of high fluoride concentrations followed by HR-CS-GFMAS analysis upon elution. Due to high enrichment factors, LODs in the low ng/L range were achieved. We successfully applied our SPE HR-CS-GFMAS method to Rhine water samples and EOF in the range of about 50-300 ng/L was detectable.
Introducing fluorine into organic molecules leads to new chemical/physical properties. Up to now, the OECD identified and categorized 4730 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances-related CAS numbers. Especially in the field of technical applications (e.g. surface coatings, fire extinguishing foams) as well as pharmaceuticals, fluorinated substances gain in importance. Thus, an increasing release of fluorinated compounds into the environment is expected.
The high environmental persistence of perfluorinated compounds leads to the risk of bioaccumulation. Partially fluorinated substances (polyfluorinated compounds) undergo degradation; thus, further possible fluorine species occur, which may exhibit different toxic/chemical properties. However, current target methods (e.g., HPLC/MS-MS) are not applicable for a comprehensive screening as well as assessment of pollution.
Thus, the poster presents a new sum parameter method for quantitative determination of extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF) in surface water samples. The method is based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) for fluorinated compounds as well as quantitative separation of interfering inorganic fluoride in combination with high-resolution-continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF MAS) for quantitative analysis. By means of this technique, the detection of high resolution molecular absorption spectra (MAS) is enabled upon the addition of a modifier and the formation of a diatomic molecule (e.g. GaF)
After successful optimization of the SPE procedure (maximum concentration of extractable organic fluorine), enrichment factors of about 1000 were achieved, allowing for highly sensitive fluorine detection. Next to a species-unspecific response, limits of detection in the low nanogram per liter range were achieved and real surface water samples were analyzed. EOF values in the range of about 50-300 ng/L were detected.
The developed method allows for a fast and sensitive as well as selective screening of organically bound fluorine (EOF) in surface water samples, helping to elucidate pollution hotspots as well as discharge routes.
Elementanalytische Verfahren werden heute zu mehr eingesetzt als bloß zur Bestimmung von Metallgesamtgehalten in diversen Probenmatrizes. Sie stellen heute ein wichtiges Werkzeug zur Beantwortung lebenswissenschaftlicher Fragen aus Umwelt, Medizin und Biologie dar. In der vorliegenden Arbeit kommt die single-cell-ICP-Flugzeitmassenspektrometrie (single-cell-ICP-TOF-MS) zur Multielementanalytik in einzelnen Kieselalgen (Diatomeen) zum Einsatz und wird zukünftig ein wichtiges Werkzeug z.B. bei der Beantwortung
ökotoxikologischer Fragestellung sein.
The continuous improvement of analytical procedures using multi-collector technologies in ICP-mass spectrometry has led to an increased demand for isotope standards with improved homogeneity and reduced measurement uncertainty. For magnesium, this has led to a variety of available standards with different quality levels ranging from artefact standards to isotope reference materials certified for absolute isotope ratios. This required an intercalibration of all standards and reference materials, which we present in this interlaboratory comparison study. The materials Cambridge1, DSM3, ERMAE143, ERM-AE144, ERM-AE145, IRMM-009 and NIST SRM 980 were cross-calibrated with expanded measurement uncertainties (95% confidence level) of less than 0.030‰ for the δ25/24Mg values and less than 0.037‰ for the δ26/24Mg values. Thus, comparability of all magnesium isotope delta (δ) measurements based on these standards and reference materials is established. Further, ERM-AE143 anchors all magnesium δ-scales to absolute isotope ratios and therefore establishes SI traceability, here traceability to the SI base unit mole. This applies especially to the DSM3 scale, which is proposed to be maintained. With ERM-AE144 and ERM-AE145, which are product and educt of a sublimation-condensation process, for the first time a set of isotope reference materials is available with a published value for the apparent triple isotope fractionation exponent θapp, the fractionation relationship ln α(25/24Mg)/ln α(26/24Mg).
A set of 59 ancient magical artefacts, mainly made of lead, was selected from the collections of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin in order to unravel their origins. All the selected artefacts have been studied for their Pb isotope compositions, which covered the whole range of the Mediterranean ore deposits. However, the majority (≈86%) were made of lead matching the small compositional range of the Laurion ore deposits. Only eight out of the 59 artefacts were made of recycled lead or lead from other ore deposits.
Additionally, all but two were approximately dated based on their inscriptions. The lead isotopic composition together with information obtained from the inscriptions, the resulting dating, the context of the find and the known history of each item allowed us to gain more detailed information about the origins of these magical artefacts. The Attic provenance of 36 curse tablets was confirmed, whereas for 11 curse tablets previously classified as non-Attic, the provenance was either confirmed and specified (six artefacts) or changed to Attic (five artefacts). Surprisingly, the majority (six out of eight) of the analysed curse tablets from the Egyptian collection showed a lead isotopic composition closely matching that of Laurion.
A Laurion-like lead isotopic composition was also observed for three of the four analysed oracular tablets from Dodona. Together with the dating information, this points to Laurion as the major and dominant lead source in the Aegean, at least during the fourth–third century B.C. The few curse tablets from earlier than the fourth–third century B.C. point to the use of multiple and thus isotopically more variable lead sources compared with the Roman times.
Lead isotopes are a well-established tool to trace the geographic origin of samples and artefacts in archaeology and geochemistry. In archaeology, lead isotopes are often applied to gain information on the provenance of the used ores especially in lead and silver artefacts. The assignment of a specific and unambiguous provenance in most cases is not possible or at least hindered due to several limitations such as ore deposits overlapping in their lead isotopic composition, a large spread within one ore deposit or a missing overlap with known mining sites. Such difficult cases can only be solved by using information from sources being independent of the isotope data. This information can be of chemical nature such as concentrations of key elements or they can be of archaeological nature such as cultural or trade route information.Within this study, we combined lead isotope data of ores and artefacts with silver mass fractions in the ore deposits, Au/Ag-ratios in ores and artefacts and finally archaeological Information on the cultural context in the Mediterranean and Anatolian Region. This approach enabled us to significantly reduce the potential number of mining regions. Finally, the potential sources could be narrowed down to the three remaining locations the Central Taurus, Arap Dağ and the Eastern Troad. Beneath these three locations, the Central Taurus shows the highest probability for the geographic origin of the galena which has been used to create the Trojan silver artefacts.
For the first time, an international comparison was conducted on the determination of the purity of a high purity element. Participants were free to choose any analytical approach appropriate for their institute’s applications and services. The material tested was a high purity zinc, which had earlier been assessed for homogeneity and previously used in CCQM-K72 for the determination of six defined metallic impurities. Either a direct metal assay of the Zn mass fraction was undertaken by EDTA titrimetry, or an indirect approach was used wherein all impurities, or at least the major ones, were determined and their sum subtracted from ideal purity of 100 %, or 1 kg/kg. Impurity assessment techniques included glow discharge mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and carrier gas hot extraction/combustion analysis. Up to 91 elemental impurities covering metals, non-metals and semi-metals/metalloids were quantified. Due to the lack of internal experience or experimental capabilities, some participants contracted external laboratories for specific analytical tasks, mainly for the analysis of non-metals. The reported purity, expressed as zinc mass fraction in the high purity zinc material, showed excellent agreement for all participants, with a relative standard deviation of 0.011 %. The calculated reference value, w(Zn) = 0.999 873 kg/kg, was assigned an asymmetric combined uncertainty of + 0.000025 kg/kg and – 0.000028 kg/kg. Comparability amongst participating metrology institutes is thus demonstrated for the purity determination of high purity metals which have no particular difficulties with their decomposition / dissolution process when solution-based analytical methods are used, or which do not have specific difficulties when direct analysis approaches are used. Nevertheless, further development is required in terms of uncertainty assessment, quantification of non-metals and the determination of purity of less pure elements and/or for those elements suffering difficulties with the decomposition process.
The variation of isotope ratios is increasingly used to unravel natural and technical questions. With new upcoming techniques and research topics in the last two decades, such as material provenance or food authenticity to animal and human migration studies, the number of published isotope data has strongly increased. Here, isotope reference materials are indispensable to enable a reliable method validation or even SI-traceability. The fast development and broad availability of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instrumentation (ICP-MS) also lead to an expansion of the classical research areas and new elements are under investigation. Owing to this large expansion of the field, the production and certification of isotope reference materials for calibration and validation is lagging behind, even for classical applications such as conventional 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio analysis. To improve this situation, BAM organized an interlaboratory comparison (ILC) comprising of thirteen international laboratories for the characterisation of 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in geochemical and industrial reference materials. Six reference materials (four cements and two rocks) were provided as powder requiring extensive sample preparation prior to isotopic measurement. Additional requirements included the use of the conventional method for obtaining 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios, also known as radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios, and the assessment of the measurement uncertainty. The primary goal was to evaluate potential differences in the application of multicollector thermal ionization mass spectrometry (MC-TIMS) and multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) for conventional 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio determination, with a secondary goal to provide reference values for the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in these potential new reference materials. All reported results are accompanied by an uncertainty statement and are traceable to the conventional method, which will be described in detail within this presentation. Current state-of-the-art statistical models were used to ensure the proper evaluation of the reported results and their associated measurement uncertainties within the frame of this ILC. Combined with results from appropriate homogeneity assessment, reference values for 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios will be assigned.
This presentation provides a short introduction to the Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights (CIAAW). It describes the role of the Commission and provides an insight into its work and the corresponding principal tasks. Finally, it provides the reader with the latest achievements and with the most recent publications.
The theory of a new calibration approach for obtaining absolute isotope ratios of multi-isotopic elements without the use of any standard has been developed. The calibration approach basically uses the difference in the instrumental isotope fractionation of two different types of mass spectrometers, leading to two different fractionation lines in a three-isotope diagram. When measuring the same sample with both mass spectrometers, the different fractionation lines have one point in common: this is the ‘true’ logarithmized isotope ratio pair of the sample. Thus, the intersection of both fractionation lines provides us with the absolute isotope ratios of the sample. This theory has been tested in practice by measuring Cd and of Pb isotope ratios in the certified reference materials BAM-I012 and NIST SRM981 by thermal ionization mass spectrometry and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry while varying the ionization conditions for both mass spectrometers. With this experiment, the theory could be verified, and absolute isotope ratios were obtained, which were metrologically compatible with the certified isotope ratios. The so-obtained absolute isotope ratios are biased by − 0.5% in average, which should be improved with further developments of the method. This calibration approach is universal, as it can be applied to all elements with three or more isotopes and it is not limited to the type of mass spectrometers applied; it can be applied as well to secondary ion mass spectrometry or others. Additionally, this approach provides information on the fractionation process itself via the triple-isotope fractionation exponent θ.
Pb isotope ratio analysis
(2023)