Elemental & Molecular Material Analysis
Research in Elemental and Molecular Material Analysis focuses on the qualitative and quantitative characterization of organic and inorganic systems using advanced analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The research aims to investigate chemical composition, molecular structure, and the presence of trace elements or organic compounds in complex systems, with applications to environmental, biological, industrial, geological, and cultural heritage materials.
A major component of the research concerns the development and optimization of elemental-analysis methodologies using techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF/μ-XRF), with the aim of detecting and quantifying major, minor, and trace elements in different categories of samples. The research activities include studies of elemental distribution, correlations among chemical characteristics, and the investigation of changes associated with physical, chemical, or environmental processes.
The Laboratory also conducts research in molecular analysis using spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques such as NIR, UV-Vis, and LC-MS/MS. The research focuses on the identification and study of organic compounds, the investigation of molecular interactions, and the identification of chemical changes in complex systems. These approaches are applied to the study of organic residues, natural products, environmental pollutants, bioactive compounds, and other molecular systems of research interest.
Through these activities, the Laboratory contributes to the development and application of innovative analytical approaches for investigating and understanding complex materials and chemical systems.