What’s New in Spectroscopy?
We present this month’s top spectroscopy stories: a simple spectroscopy-based tool to detect microplastics in soil; rapid Raman-enabled diagnosis of celiac disease; and comprehensive health screening from a single drop of blood
| 2 min read | News
Essential Reading
Cracking the Copper Code
Turning carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals, such as ethylene and ethanol, is a key goal in sustainable energy research, and a new study has uncovered critical insights into how copper-based catalysts can drive this transformation more efficiently. By combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and computational modeling, the researchers identified the specific intermediates and active sites on copper surfaces that are responsible for converting CO2 into multi-carbon products – potentially leading to the design of more effective catalysts for industrial applications.
Using SERS, the team observed potential-dependent changes in the formation of CO dimerization and subsequent intermediates, providing real-time insights into the reaction process.
Also in the news…
Researchers demonstrate that MXenes, properly functionalized, are excellent catalysts – more stable and efficient than the best metal oxide catalysts currently available – for the oxygen evolution reaction in electrolytic water splitting. Link
Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with machine learning provides fast, accurate, and cost-effective analysis of corn kernels and sorghum biomass, offering an efficient alternative to traditional lab methods for agricultural and bioenergy industries. Link
Newly developed quantum-inspired super-resolving spectrometer, SUSI, enhances resolution by over two-fold using Fourier transform techniques, with potential applications in photonic chips, optical networks, and spectroscopic studies. Link
Raman imaging provides evidence of heme uptake by endothelial cells in both in vitro and ex vivo systems, offering insights into cellular processes in both healthy and atherosclerotic tissues. Link
Dual-comb spectroscopy is successfully implemented over a 113 km open-air path, achieving high-precision measurements of CO2 and H2O absorbance spectra, with potential applications in urban greenhouse gas monitoring and satellite-based measurements. Link
A customized angiographic catheter with embedded electrodes enables real-time, label-free monitoring of embolization via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, offering higher sensitivity and reduced x-ray exposure compared to traditional fluoroscopic methods. Link
#ArchiveDive
Empowering the Analytical Scientist in Everyone
In 2021, Michel Nielen, Aydogan Ozcan and Jeroen Jansen asked an important question: could the general public prove to be key in the next great phase of analytical chemistry?
“Enabling citizens to conduct their own measurements is of the utmost importance. In the 21st century, citizens are learning to gather and use their data in innovative ways,” said Jeroen Jansen, who has developed an SCiO Handheld NIR Spectrophotometer, which he uses away from the lab. “Whether it be maintaining health, improving their living environment, or examining exactly what their family is eating, citizens want to know more than ever before. The latest technological developments mean that citizens no longer have to rely on institutions for such measurements.”
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