Chemische Charakterisierung und Spurenanalytik
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Paper des Monats
- ja (1)
A set of strained aromatic macrocycles based on [n]cyclo2,7-(4,5,9,10-tetrahydro)pyrenylenes is presented with size dependent photophysical properties. The K-region of pyrene was functionalized with ethylene glycol groups to decorate the outer rim and thereby confine the space inside the macrocycle. This confined space is especially pronounced for n = 5, which leads to an internal binding of up to 8.0×104 M–1 between the ether-decorated [5]cyclo-2,7-pyrenylene and shape complementary crown ether–cation complexes.
Both, the ether-decorated [n]cyclo-pyrenylenes as well as one of their host–guest complexes have been structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis. In combination with computational methods the structural and thermodynamic reasons for the exceptionally strong binding have been elucidated. The presented rim confinement strategy makes cycloparaphenylenes an attractive supramolecular host family with a favorable, size-independent read-out signature and binding capabilities extending beyond fullerene guests.
The occurrence of microplastic (MP) in food products, such as beverages in plastic bottles, is of high public concern. Existing analytical methods focus on the determination of particle numbers, requiring elaborate sampling tools, laboratory infrastructure and generally time-consuming imaging detection methods. A comprehensive routine analysis of MP in food products is still not possible. In the present work, we present the development of a smart filter crucible as sampling and detection tool. After filtration and drying of the filtered-off solids, a direct determination of the MP mass content from the crucible sample can be done by thermal extraction desorption gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (TED-GC/MS). The new filter crucible allows a filtration of MP down to particle sizes of 5 µm. We determined MP contents below 0.01 µg/L up to 2 µg/L, depending on beverages bottle type. This may be directly related to the bottle type, especially the quality of the plastic material of the screw cap. Dependent on the plastic material, particle formation increases due to opening and closing operations during the use phase. However, we have also found that some individual determinations of samples were subjected to high errors due to random events. A conclusive quantitative evaluation of the products is therefore not possible at present.
In this work, we describe the use of artificial neural networks for the quantification of X-ray fluorescence measurements. The training data were generated using Monte Carlo simulation, which avoided the use of adapted reference materials. The extension of the available data set by means of an ANN to generate additional data was demonstrated. Particular emphasis was put on the comparability of simulated and experimental data and how the influence of deviations can be reduced. The search for the optimal hyperparameter, manual and automatic, is also described. For the presented case, we were able to train a network with a mean absolute error of 0.1 weight percent for the synthetic data and 0.7 weight percent for a set of experimental data obtained with certified reference materials.
Microplastic particles are currently detected in almost all environmental compartments. The results of detection vary widely, as a multitude of very different methods are used with very different requirements for analytical validity.
In this work four thermoanalytical methods are compared and their advantages and limitations are discussed. One of them is thermal extraction-desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS), an analysis method for microplastic detection that has become established in recent years. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR) and mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) were applied, two methods that are less common in this field but are still used in other research areas. Finally, microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) was applied, a method not yet used for microplastic detection.
The presented results are taken from a recently published interlaboratory comparison test by Becker et al. (2020). Here a reference material consisting of suspended matter and specified added polymer masses was examined, and only the results of the recoveries were presented. In the present paper, however, the results for the individual polymers are discussed in detail and individual perspectives for all instruments are shown.
It was found that TED-GC/MS is the most suitable method for samples with unknown matrix and unknown, variable kinds and contents of microplastic. TGA-FTIR is a robust method for samples with known matrix and with defined kinds of microplastic. TGA-MS may offer a solution for the detection of PVC particles in the future. MCC can be used as a very fast and simple screening method for the identification of a potential microplastic load of standard polymers in unknown samples.
Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) are heteroagglomerates of tire rubber and other particles deposited on the road surface and one of the main contributors to non-exhaust emissions of automobile traffic. In this study, samples from road environments were analyzed for their TRWP contents and concentra- tions of eight organic tire constituents. TRWP concentrations were determined by quantifying Zn in the density fraction < 1.9 g/cm ³and by thermal extraction desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) and the concentrations ranged from 3.7 to 480 mg TRWP/g. Strong and statistically signif- icant correlations with TRWPs were found for 2-hydroxybenzothiazole and 2-aminobenzothiazole, indi- cating that these substances may be suitable markers of TRWPs. The mass distribution of TRWPs in road dust suggests that the main mass fraction formed on roads consists of coarse particles ( > 100 μm). Data for a sedimentation basin indicate that the fine fraction ( < 50 μm) is preferentially transported by road runoffinto receiving waters. The size distribution and density data of TRWP gathered by three different quantitation approaches also suggest that aging of TRWPs leads to changes in their particle density. An improved understanding of the dynamics of TRWP properties is essential to assess the distribution and dissipation of this contaminant of emerging concern in the environment.
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.
To better study the impact of nanoparticles on both in vitro and in vivo models, tissue distribution and cellular doses need to be described more closely. Here silver nanoparticles were visualized in alveolar macrophages by means of synchrotron radiation micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SR-μXRF) with high spatial resolution of 3 × 3 μm2. For the spatial allocation of silver signals to cells and tissue structures, additional elemental labeling was carried out by staining with eosin, which binds to protein and can be detected as bromine signal with SR-μXRF. The method was compatible with immunostaining of macrophage antigens. We found that the silver distribution obtained with SR-μXRF was largely congruent with distribution maps from a subsequent laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) of the same tissue sites. The study shows a predominant, though not exclusive uptake of silver into alveolar macrophages in the rat lung, which can be modeled by a similar uptake in cultured alveolar macrophages. Advantages and limitations of the different strategies for measuring nanoparticle uptake at the single cell level are discussed.
Cyclic poly(L-lactide)s were prepared by ring-opening polymerization combined with simultaneous polycondensation (ROPPOC) in bulk at 160 ° with dibutyltin bis(4-cyanophenoxide) as catalyst. It is demonstrated by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry and 1H NMR end group analyses that cycles are formed by endto-end cyclization in addition to “back-biting” transesterification. Formation of high molar mass cyclic poly L-lactide)s by means of several more reactive ROPPOC catalysts presented previously and in new experiments is discussed. These experimental results, together with theoretical arguments, prove that part of the Jacobson–Stockmayer theory is wrong. The critical monomer concentration, above which end-toend cyclization is seemingly impossible, does not exist and reversible like irreversible polycondensations can theoretically proceed up to 100% conversion, so that finally all reaction products will necessarily adopt a cyclic architecture.
The analysis of pollen chemical composition is important to many fields, including agriculture, plant physiology, ecology, allergology, and climate studies. Here, the potential of a combination of different spectroscopic and spectrometric methods regarding the characterization of small biochemical differences between pollen samples was evaluated using multivariate statistical approaches. Pollen samples, collected from three populations of the grass Poa alpina, were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The variation in the sample set can be described in a hierarchical framework comprising three populations of the same grass species and four different growth conditions of the parent plants for each of the populations. Therefore, the data set can work here as a model system to evaluate the classification and characterization ability of the different spectroscopic and spectrometric methods. ANOVA Simultaneous Component Analysis (ASCA) was applied to achieve a separation of different sources of variance in the complex sample set. Since the chosen methods and sample preparations probe different parts and/or molecular constituents of the pollen grains, complementary information about the chemical composition of the pollen can be obtained. By using consensus principal component analysis (CPCA), data from the different methods are linked together. This enables an investigation of the underlying global information, since complementary chemical data are combined. The molecular information from four spectroscopies was combined with phenotypical information gathered from the parent plants, thereby helping to potentially link pollen chemistry to other biotic and abiotic parameters.
We present the optical sensing of phthalate Esters (PAEs), a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The sensing takes place as changes in the fluorescence emission intensity of aminopyrene covalently bound to the organic ligands of the metal−organic framework compound ZIF-8. In the presence of PAEs, a quenching of the fluorescence emission is observed. We evaluated strategies to engineer colloidal size distribution of the sensing particles to optimize the sensory response to PAEs. A thorough characterization of the modified ZIF-8 nanoparticles included powder X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and photophysical characterization. The presented capability of the fluorophore-functionalized ZIF-8 to sense PAEs complements established methods such as chromatography-based procedures, which cannot be used on-site and paves the way for future developments such as hand-held quick sensing devices.
Besides conventional scanning X-ray fluorescence imaging at synchrotron sources, full-field X-ray fluorescence (FF-XRF) imaging techniques that do not implicitly require spatial scanning of the sample have become available. FF-XRF has become achievable thanks to the development of a new type of energy dispersive CCD-based 2D detector, also referred to as a 'color X-ray camera (CXC)' or 'SLcam'. We report on different imaging schemes for biological samples using FF-XRF imaging: (a) 2D 'zoom' imaging with pinhole optics using the 'camera obscura' principle; (b) 2D 'fixed magnification' imaging using magnifying polycapillary optics; and (c) 3D-FF-XRF imaging using an X-ray sheet beam or computed tomography (CT). The different FF-XRF imaging modes are illustrated using the crustacean Daphnia magna, a model organism for investigating the effects of metals on organism/ecosystem health, and foraminifera, a class of amoeboid protist. Detailed analytical characterization of the set-up is performed through analyzing various reference materials in order to determine limits of detection (LODs) and sensitivities. Experiments were performed using the BAMline at the BESSY synchrotron (Berlin, Germany) and using the P06 Hard X-ray Microprobe at the PETRAIII synchrotron (Hamburg, Germany).
Matrix‐assisted ionization (MAI) mass spectrometry does not require voltages, a laser beam, or added heat to initiate ionization, but it is strongly dependent on the choice of matrix and the vacuum conditions. High charge state distributions of nonvolatile analyte ions produced by MAI suggest that the ionization mechanism may be similar to that of electrospray ionization (ESI), but different from matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). While significant information is available for MAI using mass spectrometers operating at atmospheric and intermediate pressure, little is known about the mechanism at high vacuum.
Eleven MAI matrices were studied on a high‐vacuum time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometer using a 266 nm pulsed laser beam under otherwise typical MALDI conditions. Detailed comparisons with the commonly used MALDI matrices and theoretical prediction were made for 3‐nitrobenzonitrile (3‐NBN), which is the only MAI matrix that works well in high vacuum when irradiated with a laser.
Screening of MAI matrices with good absorption at 266 nm but with various degrees of volatility and laser energies suggests that volatility and absorption at the laser wavelength may be necessary, but not sufficient, criteria to explain the formation of multiply charged analyte ions. 3‐NBN produces intact, highly charged ions of nonvolatile analytes in high‐vacuum TOF with the use of a laser, demonstrating that ESI‐like ions can be produced in high vacuum. Theoretical calculations and mass spectra suggest that thermally induced proton transfer, which is the major ionization mechanism in MALDI, is not important with the 3‐NBN matrix at 266 nm laser wavelength. 3‐NBN:analyte crystal morphology is, however, important in ion generation in high vacuum.
The 3‐NBN MAI matrix produces intact, highly charged ions of nonvolatile compounds in high‐vacuum TOF mass spectrometers with the aid of ablation and/or heating by laser irradiation, and shows a different ionization mechanism from that of typical MALDI matrices.
Bundling analytical capacities to understand phase formation in recycling of functional materials
(2019)
Transitioning from combustion engine-driven transportation to e-mobility demands a paradigm shift – from a system geared to maximize energy efficiency (i.e. fuel consumption) to a system that may be constrained by the availability of high technology (critical) metals required for electrical energy storage systems and drives. In the wake of these developments efforts in securing new resources of these metals from recycling of end-of-life products are increasing steadily.
Recycling of Li-Ion batteries has recently been evaluated. The results pinpoint to a critical need for understanding slag Formation and its dependence on metal components like Mn under extreme conditions. This will allow researchers to predict optimal Operation setting and to react quickly to changing market demands (which may be Li or Co at one point but may also shift to Ni or rare earth elements (REE)). The long-term goal is to control the formation of specific phases in slags allowing for a Maximum yield of elements of interest and optimal recovery in the separation processes that follows. The combination of data on the physical micro structure and local chemistry of the multi-Phase products during and after processing will help to understand and derive thermodynamic and kinetic data on its formation.
In this paper we are giving an overview on the analytical challenges and approaches to provide robust data on local element concentration and species (especially Mn which is a common component of next generation Li-ion batteries cathodes), spanning the dimensions from the nanometer scale to the bulk material. The complementary interactions of X-rays and electrons make them ideal probes to collect Interface and “in-depth” information. Before- and -after studies as well as in situ structural changes and Phase (trans)formation, changes in elemental and elemental species (e.g. oxidation state) distribution may be tracked by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence microscopy and X-ray Absorption spectroscopy. The application of such advanced analytical tools will not only provide essential clues during early lab-based experiments towards the development of new recycling technologies, but may also be deployed for on-line and in-line monitoring of industrial processes.
The efficiency, relatively low cost and eco-friendly nature of hydrogen peroxide-assisted photocatalysis treatment procedures are significant advantages over conventional techniques for wastewater remediation. Herein, we evaluate the behaviour of g-cyclodextrin (g-CD) immobilised on either bare or chitosan (CS)–functionalised Fe3O4 nanoparticles, for photodegrading Bisphenol A (BPA) in ultrapure water and in real wastewater samples. The BPA removal efficiencies with Fe3O4/g-CD and Fe3O4/CS/g-CD were compared with those of Fe3O4/b-CD, and were monitored under UVA irradiation at near-neutral pH. The addition of H2O2 at low concentrations (15 mmol L-1) significantly increased BPA photodegradation in the presence of each nanocomposite. The highest catalytic activity was shown by both Fe3O4/g-CD and Fe3O4/CS/g-CD nanocomposites (,60 and 27%BPA removal in ultrapure water and real wastewater effluent, respectively). Our findings reveal the superior performance of g-CD-functionalised Fe3O4 relative to that of Fe3O4/b-CD. The use of CD-based nanocomposites as photocatalytic materials could be an attractive option in the pre- or post-treatment stage of wastewaters by advanced oxidation processes before or after biological treatment.
The TED-GC-MS analysis is a two-step method. A sample is first decomposed in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and the gaseous decomposition products are then trapped on a solid-phase adsorber. Subsequently, the solid-phase adsorber is analyzed with thermal desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TDU-GC-MS). This method is ideally suited for the analysis of polymers and their degradation processes. Here, a new entirely automated System is introduced which enables high sample throughput and reproducible automated fractioned collection of decomposition products. Strengths and limitations of the system configuration are elaborated via three examples focused on practical challenges in materials analysis and identification: i) separate analysis of the components of a wood-plastic-composite material, ii) quantitative determination of weight concentration of the constituents of a polymer blend and iii) quantitative analysis of model samples of microplastics in suspended particulate matter.
Ca-, Sr-, and Ba-Based coordination polymers (CPs) were prepared mechanochemically by milling metal-hydroxide samples with anthranilic acid (oABAH). {[Ca(oABA)2(H2O)3]}n consists of one-dimensional polymeric chains that are further connected by a hydrogen-bonding network. {[Sr(oABA)2(H2O)2]·H2O}n is a one-dimensional CP in which water molecules bridge Sr2+ ions and increase the dimensionality by building an extended network. {[Ba(oABA)2(H2O)]}n crystallizes as a two-dimensional CP comprising one bridging water molecule. The cation radii influence the inorganic connectivity and dimensionality of the resulting crystal structures. The crystal structures were refined from powder X-ray diffraction data using the Rietveld method. The local coordination environments were studied via extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements. The compounds were further characterized using comprehensive analytical methods such as elemental analysis, thermal analysis, MAS NMR, imaging, and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) measurements. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 exhibit small surface areas which decrease further after thermal annealing experiments. All compounds exhibit a phase transformation upon heating, which is only reversible in 3.
Exceptional ion mobility spectrometry mass spectrometry (IMS-MS) developments by von Helden, Jarrold, and Clemmer provided technology that gives a view of chemical/biological compositions previously not achievable. The ionization method of choice used with IMS-MS has been electrospray ionization (ESI). In this Special issue contribution, we focus on fundamentals of heretofore unprecedented means for transferring volatile and nonvolatile compounds into gas-phase ions singly and multiply charged. These newer ionization processes frequently lead to different selectivity relative to ESI and, together with IMS-MS, may provide a more comprehensive view of chemical compositions directly from their original Environment such as surfaces, e.g., tissue. Similarities of results using solvent- and matrix-assisted ionization are highlighted, as are differences between ESI and the inlet ionization methods, especially with mixtures such as bacterial extracts. Selectivity using different matrices is discussed, as are results which add to our fundamental knowledge of inlet ionization as well as pose additional avenues for inquiry. IMS-MS provides an opportunity for comparison studies relative to ESI and will prove valuable using the new ionization technologies for direct analyses. Our hypothesis is that some ESI-IMS-MS applications will be replaced by the new ionization processes and by understanding mechanistic aspects to aid enhanced source and method developments this will be hastened.
Ball mass is an important parameter that is known to have an influence on the outcome of a mechanochemical reaction induced by ball-milling. A standard way of modifying the ball mass is to change the size of the ball made of the same material. In this case, however, a change in mass is accompanied by a simulatneous change in the ball size. It is therefore not possible to disentangle the effects of mass and Surface area in these cases. In the present work we report the results of experiments with specially designed and manufactured balls in which (1) milling ball mass is held constant, but their size differs, and (2) the ball mass is altered, with the diameter of the milling ball being held constant. Using the cocrystallisation of theophylline + nicotinamide as a case study it was found that both diameter and ball mass play crucial roles in determining the rate of a mechanochemical reaction. For comparison, we have also used milling balls with the same size (different mass), and others with the same mass (different size) made of different materials, as would be “traditional”. It was found that, despite having the same size, the lightest milling ball (nylon) was the most efficient in initiating the co-crystallisation, presumably due to the sorption of EtOH. Hence, the results of this manuscript also demonstrate how milling ball material can in fact be the most influential parameter, and potentially counterintuitive to classical mechanics.
Increasing numbers of implant revisions are a current clinical issue. Interactions of the endoprosthesis biomaterial with the body affect implantation time by wear processes, i.e. corrosion and abrasion. Previously, cobalt-chrome implants were shown to cause high levels of cobalt ions being deposited in the bone matrix. To determine a poten- tial functional role of these ions on bone homeostasis, we have developed a non-destructive dual analysis of highly sensitive elemental analysis by synchrotron XRF directly in undecalcified histological bone thin sections (4 μm). In this study, samples from 28 bone samples from hip endoprosthesis carriers (Surface Replacement Arthroplasty, metal-on-metal bearing) with an implant lifetime of 17–1750 days were used. Results were compared to age- matched control specimens. The histological analysis identified areas of bone cell activity and assigned them for XRF measurements. Co-Cr wear particles were identified in the bone marrow. In addition, Co ions were highly enriched in the mineralized bone matrix. The cobalt deposits were not homogeneously distributed, and areas of high signal intensity were identified. Co was distinctly deposited in the newly formed osteoid layer, but also within deeper layers of the bone matrix, whereby the Co concentration increased with higher degrees of bone matrix mineralization. In the current study, we determined cobalt accumulations in the bone matrix and showed for the first time via synchrotron XRF with a high spatial resolution direct on histological slides, that cobalt deposits in the mineralized bone matrix in a mineral-specific way that is dependent upon the implant lifetime.
Reliable simulation of polymers on an atomistic length scale requires a realistic representation of the cured material. A molecular modelling method for the curing of epoxy systems is presented, which is developed with respect to efficiency while maintaining a well equilibrated system. The main criterion for bond formation is the distance between reactive groups and no specific reaction probability is prescribed. The molecular modelling is studied for three different mixing ratios with respect to the curing evolution of reactive Groups and the final curing stage. For the first time, the evolution of reactive groups during the curing process predicted by the molecular modelling is validated with near-infrared spectroscopy data, showing a good agreement between simulation results and experimental measurements. With the proposed method, deeper insights into the curing mechanism of epoxy systems can be gained and it allows us to provide reliable input data for molecular Dynamics simulations of material properties.
In this study, a method for the determination of tire and road wear particle (TRWP) contents in particulate samples from road Environment was developed. Zn was identified as the most suitable elemental marker for TRWP, due to its high concentration in tire tread and the possibility of separation from other Zn sources. The mean concentration of 21 tire samples was 8.7 ± 2.0 mg Zn/g. Before quantification in samples from road environment, TRWP were separated from the particulate matrix by density separation. Method development was conducted using shredded tread particles (TP) as a surrogate for TRWP.
Recovery of TP from spiked sediment was 95 ± 17% in a concentration range of 2 - 200 mg TP/g. TP determination was not affected by other Zn containing solids or spiked Zn-salts. By adjusting the density of the separation solution to 1.9 g/cm3, more than 90% of total TRWP were separated from the sample matrix. TRWP concentrations in particulate matter collected in two road runoff treatment Systems ranged from 0.38 to 150 mg TRWP/g. Differences in quantified TRWP contents of the two Systems indicate changes in particle dynamics due to ageing and aggregation processes. The developed method allows TRWP determination in road runoff and in environments that are influenced by road traffic. The validated separation procedure can also be applied for TRWP characterization in future studies.
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.
Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, in conjunction with atomic absorption and Raman spectroscopy, was used to analyze a set of top brand tattoo inks to investigate the presence of toxic elements and hazardous substances. The Cr, Cu, and Pb contents were found to be above the maximum allowed levels established by the Council of Europe through the resolution ResAP(2008)1 on requirements and criteria for the safety of tattoos and permanent makeup. Raman analysis has revealed the presence of a set of prohibited substances mentioned in ResAP(2008)1, among which are the pigments Blue 15, Green 7, and Violet 23. Other pigments that were identified in white, black, red, and yellow inks are the Pigment White 6, Carbon Black, Pigment Red 8, and a diazo yellow, respectively. The present results show the importance of regulating tattoo ink composition.
A harmonization of sampling, sample preparation and detection is pivotal in order to obtain comparable data on microplastics (MP) in the environment. This paper develops and proposes a suitable sampling concept for waterbodies that considers different plastic specific properties and influencing factors in the environment.
Both artificial water including defined MP fractions and the discharge of a wastewater treatment plant were used to verify the derived sampling procedure, sample preparation and the subsequent analysis of MP using thermal extraction-desorption gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (TED-GC-MS).
A major finding of this paper is that an application of various particle size classes greatly improves the practical handling of the sampling equipment. Size classes also enable the TED-GC-MS to provide any data on the MP size distribution, a substantial sampling property affecting both the necessary sampling volume and the optimal sampling depth.
In the artificial water with defined MP fractions, the recovery rates ranged from 80 to 110%, depending on the different MP types and MP size classes. In the treated wastewater, we found both Polyethylene and polystyrene in different size classes and quantities.
The mechanism of action of zirconium permanent modifiers on graphite surfaces was investigated in order to understand its influence on the analytical signal in atomic and molecular absorption spectrometry (AAS/MAS). For this, the molecule formation of CaF was studied, which is used for the indirect analytical determination of fluorine in high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS). The kinetics of this reaction was established by monitoring its molecular spectrum at different atomisation temperatures. An Arrhenius plot showed a pseudo-first order reaction with respect to fluorine (n = 1). An intermediate state was isolated, and its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods: scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEMEDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES and EXAFS), and Raman microspectroscopy. We propose here a mechanism, where ZrO2 acts as a heterogeneous catalyst: after a pyrolytic step, an intermediate state of ZrO(OCaF) is activated, and at higher temperatures, CaF(g) is released from the zirconium-coated graphite surface. No evidence of the formation of zirconium carbide was found. Consequently, as the CaF formation is catalysed by a heterogeneous catalyst, surface modifications with ZrO2 nanoparticles and ZrO xerogels were investigated in order to increase the surface area. Their influence was evaluated in the molecule formation of CaF, CaCl, CaBr, and CaI. Graphite furnace modification with zirconium oxide nanoparticles proves to be the best choice for fluorine analysis with a signal enhancement of more than eleven times with respect a non-coated graphite furnace. However, the influence of zirconium modifications in the analytical signals of Cl, and I is lower than the F signals or even negative in case of the Br. Understanding zirconium modifiers as heterogeneous catalysts offers a new perspective to AAS and MAS, and reveals the potential of surface analytical methods for development of improved permanent modifiers and graphite furnace coatings.
MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has become a widely used tool for the classification of biological samples. The complex chemical composition of pollen grains leads to highly specific, fingerprint-like mass spectra, with respect to the pollen species. Beyond the species-specific composition, the variances in pollen chemistry can be hierarchically structured, including the level of different populations, of environmental conditions or different genotypes. We demonstrate here the sensitivity of MALDI-TOF MS regarding the adaption of the chemical composition of three Poaceae (grass) pollen for different populations of parent plants by analyzing the mass spectra with partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Thereby, variances in species, population and specific growth conditions of the plants were observed simultaneously. In particular, the chemical pattern revealed by the MALDI spectra enabled discrimination of the different populations of one species. Specifically, the role of environmental changes and their effect on the pollen chemistry of three different grass species is discussed. Analysis of the Group formation within the respective populations showed a varying influence of plant genotype on the classification, depending on the species, and permits conclusions regarding the respective rigidity or plasticity towards environmental changes.
The occurrence of small particles consisting of organic polymers, so-called microplastic (MP), in aquatic Environments attracts increasing interest in both public and science. Recent sampling campaigns in surface Waters revealed substantial numbers of particles in the size range from a few micrometers to a few millimeters. In order to validate sample preparation, identification and quantification and to investigate the behavior of MP particles and potential toxic effects on organisms, defined MP model particles are needed. Many studies use spherical compounds that probably behave differently compared to irregularly shaped MP found in environmental samples.
However, preparation and handling of MP particles are challenging tasks and have been systematically investigated in the present study. Polystyrene (PS) as a commonly found polymer with a density slightly above that of water was selected as polymer type for milling and fractionation studies. A cryogenic ball mill proved to be practical and effective to produce particles in the size range from 1 to 200 μm. The yield of small particles increased with increasing pre-cooling and milling durations. Depending on the concentration and the size, PS particles do not completely disperse in water and particles partly creep vertically up along glass walls. Stabilized MP suspensions without use of surfactants that might harm organisms are needed for toxicological studies. The stabilization of PS particle suspensions with ozone treatment reduced the wall effect and increased the number of dispersed PS particles but increased the dissolved organic carbon concentration and changed the size Distribution of the particles.
Analysis of microplastic particles (MP) in environmental samples needs sophisticated techniques and is time intensive due to sample preparation and detection. An alternative to the most common (micro ) spectroscopic techniques, FTIR or Raman spectroscopy, are the thermoanalytical methods, where specific decomposition products can be analyzed as marker compounds for different kind of plastics types and mass contents. Thermal extraction desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TED-GC-MS) allows the fast identification and quantification of MP in environmental samples without sample preparation. Whereas up to now only the analysis of thermoplastic polymers was realized, this is the first time that even the analysis of tire wear (TW) content in environmental samples is possible. Various marker compounds for TW were identified. They include characteristic decomposition products of elastomers, antioxidants and vulcanization agents. Advantages and drawbacks of these marker substances were evaluated. Environmental samples from street run off were exemplarily investigated and presented.
The characterization of a catalyst often occurs by averaging over large areas of the catalyst material. On the other hand, optical probing is easily achieved at a resolution at the micrometer scale, specifically in microspectroscopy. Here, using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) mapping of larger areas with micrometer-sized spots that contain tens to hundreds of supported gold nanoparticles each, the photoinduced dimerization of p-aminothiophenol (PATP) to 4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) was monitored. The mapping data reveal an inhomogeneous distribution of catalytic activity in the plasmon-catalyzed reaction in spite of a very homogeneous plasmonic enhancement of the optical signals in SERS. The results lead to the conclusion that only a fraction of the nanostructures may be responsible for a high catalytic activity. The high spot-to-spot variation in catalytic activity is also demonstrated for DMAB formation by the plasmon-catalyzed reduction from p-nitrothiophenol (PNTP) and confirms that an improvement of the accuracy and reproducibility in the characterization of catalytic reactions can be achieved by microspectroscopic probing of many positions. Using SERS micromapping during the incubation of PATP, we demonstrate that the reaction occurs during the incubation process and is influenced by different parameters, leading to the conclusion of dimerization in a gold-catalyzed, nonphotochemical reaction as an alternative to the plasmon-catalyzed process. The results have implications for the future characterization of new catalyst materials as well as for optical sensing using plasmonic materials.
In this work, we describe a simple solvothermal route for the synthesis of Eu3+-doped gadolinium orthovanadate nanocrystals (Eu:GdVO4−PAA) functionalized with poly(acrylic)acid (PAA), that are applicable as cell labeling probes for multimodal cellular imaging. The Eu3+ doping of the vanadate matrix provides optical functionality, due to red photoluminescence after illumination with UV light. The Gd3+ ions of the nanocrystals reduce the T1 relaxation time of surrounding water protons, allowing these nanocrystals to act as a positive MRI contrast agent with a r1 relaxivity of 1.97 mM−1 s−1. Low background levels of Eu3+, Gd3+, and V5+ in biological systems make them an excellent label for elemental microscopy by Laser Ablation (LA)-ICP-MS. Synthesis resulted in polycrystalline nanocrystals with a hydrodynamic diameter of 55 nm and a crystal size of 36.7 nm, which were further characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The multifunctional nanocrystals were subsequently used for intracellular labeling of both human adipose-derived stem cells (MSCs) and A549 (adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial) cells.
Amyloid fibrils are polymers formed by proteins under specific conditions and in many cases they are related to pathogenesis, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Their hallmark is the presence of a β-sheet structure. High resolution structural data on these systems as well as information gathered from multiple complementary analytical techniques is needed, from both a fundamental and a pharmaceutical perspective. Here, a previously reported de novo designed, pH-switchable coiled coil-based peptide that undergoes structural transitions resulting in fibril formation under physiological conditions has been exhaustively characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cryo-TEM, atomic force microscopy (AFM), wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and solid-state NMR (ssNMR). Overall, a unique 2-dimensional carpet-like assembly composed of large coexisiting ribbon-like, tubular and funnel-like structures with a clearly resolved protofilament substructure is observed. Whereas electron microscopy and scattering data point somewhat more to a hairpin model of β-fibrils, ssNMR data obtained from samples with selectively labelled peptides are in agreement with both, hairpin structures and linear arrangements.
Two divalent manganese aminophosphonates, manganese mono (nitrilotrimethylphosphonate) (MnNP3) and manganese bis N-(carboxymethyl)iminodi(methylphosphonate)) (Mn(NP2AH)2), have been prepared by mechanochemical synthesis and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The structure of the novel compound Mn(NP2AH)2 was determined from PXRD data. MnNP3 as well as Mn(NP2AH)2 exhibits a chain-like structure.
In both cases, the manganese atom is coordinated by six oxygen atoms in a distorted octahedron. The local coordination around Mn was further characterized by extended X-ray absorption fine structure. The synthesis process was followed in situ by synchrotron X-ray diffraction revealing a three-step reaction mechanism. The asprepared manganese(II) phosphonates were calcined on air.
All samples were successfully tested for their suitability as catalyst material in the oxygen evolution reaction.
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.
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.
Multivariate analysis of MALDI imaging mass spectrometry data of mixtures of single pollen grains
(2018)
Mixtures of pollen grains of three different species (Corylus avellana, Alnus cordata, and Pinus sylvestris) were investigated by matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF imaging MS). The amount of pollen grains was reduced stepwise from > 10 to single pollen grains. For sample pretreatment, we modified a previously applied approach, where any additional extraction steps were omitted.
Our results show that characteristic pollen MALDI mass spectra can be obtained from a single pollen grain, which is the prerequisite for a reliable pollen classification in practical applications. MALDI imaging of laterally resolved pollen grains provides additional information by reducing the complexity of the MS spectra of mixtures, where frequently peak discrimination is observed. Combined with multivariate statistical analyses, such as principal component analysis (PCA), our approach offers the chance for a fast and reliable identification of individual pollen grains by mass spectrometry.
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%
A series of new Ba-based coordination polymers (CPs) were mechanochemically synthesized by milling Ba-hydroxide samples with perfluorinated and fluorine-free benzene-dicarboxylic acids, including tetrafluoroisophthalic acid (H2mBDC-F4), tetrafluorophthalic acid (H2oBDC-F4), isophthalic acid (H2mBDC) and phthalic acid (H2oBDC). The new fluorinated CPs: [Ba(mBDC-F4)$0.5H2O] (1) and [Ba(oBDC-F4)·1.5H2O] (2) are compared to their nonfluorinated counterparts: [Ba(mBDC)·2.5H2O] (3), and [Ba(oBDC)·1H2O] (4). These materials are thoroughly characterized using powder X-ray diffraction. The products obtained by milling are all hydrated but vary in their water contents. Compositions and local structures are investigated by elemental analysis, thermal analysis, MAS NMR and attenuated total reflectioninfrared spectroscopy. These materials exhibit high thermal stabilities but small surface areas that remain unchanged even after thermal treatments.
Cost-effective water cleaning approaches using improved Treatment technologies, for instance based on catalytic processes with high activity catalysts, are urgently needed. The aim of our study was to synthesize efficient Fenton-like photo-catalysts for rapid degradation of persistent organic micropollutants in aqueous medium. Iron-based nanomaterials were chemically synthesized through simple procedures by immobilization of either iron(II) oxalate (FeO) or iron(III) citrate (FeC) on magnetite (M) nanoparticles stabilized with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Various investigation techniques were performed in order to characterize the freshly prepared catalysts. By applying advanced oxidation processes, the effect of catalyst dosage, hydrogen peroxide concentration and UV-A light exposure were examined for Bisphenol A (BPA) conversion, at laboratory scale, in mild conditions. The obtained results revealed that BPA degradation was rapidly enhanced in the presence of low-concentration H2O2, as well as under UV-A light, and is highly dependent on the surface characteristics of the catalyst. Complete photo-degradation of BPA was achieved over the M/PEG/FeO catalyst in less than 15 minutes. Based on the catalytic performance, a hierarchy of the tested catalysts was established: M/PEG/FeO > M/PEG/FeC > M/PEG. The results of cytotoxicity assay using MCF-7 cells indicated that the aqueous samples after treatment are less cytotoxic.
New Ca- and Sr-based coordination polymers (CPs) were mechanochemically synthesized by milling metal hydroxide samples (M = Ca, Sr) with tetrafluorophthalic acid (H2oBDC-F4) and isophthalic acid (H2mBDC). [Ca(oBDC-F4)(H2O)2] (1) exhibits a small surface area which is slightly increased after removing the crystal water. On the other hand, the hydrated sample of the nonfluorinated [Sr(mBDC)(H2O)3.4] (2) reveals a small BET surface area which remains unchanged even after the release of crystal water via thermal treatment. The new compounds 1 and 2 are similar to their Sr- and Ca-analogs, respectively. These findings are confirmed by thermal analysis, MAS NMR, and ATR-IR measurements, in addition to the Le Bail refinements for the measured powder X-ray data of 1 and 2. Ca- and Sr-CPs based on perfluorinated dicarboxylic systems and their nonfluorinated analogs diverse in structural and chemical properties depending on the geometries of the organic linkers and the presence of fluorine atoms. The fluorinations of organic ligands lead to the formation of fluorinated CPs with higher dimensionalities compared to their nonfluorinated counterparts. Conversely, the thermal stabilities of the latter are higher than those of the fluorinated CPs.
Zearalenone (ZEN) and its phase II sulfate and glucoside metabolites have been detected in food and feed commodities. After consumption, the conjugates can be hydrolyzed by the human intestinal microbiota leading to liberation of ZEN that implies an underestimation of the true ZEN exposure. To include ZEN conjugates in routine analysis, reliable standards are needed, which are currently not available. Thus, the aim of the present study was to develop a facilitated biosynthesis of ZEN-14-sulfate, ZEN-14-glucoside and ZEN-16-glucoside. A metabolite screening was conducted by adding ZEN to liquid fungi cultures of known ZEN conjugating Aspergillus and Rhizopus strains. Cultivation conditions and ZEN incubation time were varied. All media samples were analyzed for metabolite formation by HPLC-MS/MS. In addition, a consecutive biosynthesis was developed by using Fusarium graminearum for ZEN biosynthesis with subsequent conjugation of the toxin by utilizing Aspergillus and Rhizopus species. ZEN-14-sulfate (yield: 49%) is exclusively formed by Aspergillus oryzae. ZEN-14-glucoside (yield: 67%) and ZEN-16-glucoside (yield: 39%) are formed by Rhizopus oryzae and Rhizopus oligosporus, respectively. Purities of ≥73% ZEN-14-sulfate, ≥82% ZEN-14-glucoside and ≥50% ZEN-16-glucoside were obtained by 1H-NMR. In total, under optimized cultivation conditions, fungi can be easily utilized for a targeted and regioselective synthesis of ZEN conjugates.
Proline has been widely used for various cocrystallization applications, including pharmaceutical cocrystals. Combining enantiopure and racemic flurbiprofen and proline, we discovered 18 new crystal structures. Liquid-assisted grinding proved highly efficient to explore all the variety of crystal forms. A unique combination of stateof-the-art characterization techniques, comprising variable temperature in situ X-ray diffraction and in situ ball-milling, along with other physicochemical methods and density functional theory calculations, was indispensable for identifying all the phases. Analyzing the results of in situ ball-milling, we established a stepwise mechanism for the formation of several 1:1 cocrystals via an intermediate 2:1 phase. The nature of the solvent in liquidassisted grinding was found to significantly affect the reaction rate and, in some cases, the reaction pathway.