Best of the Week: IR Spectroscopy, Lithium Metal Batteries, Artificial Intelligence

This week, Spectroscopy published various articles that covered many topics in analytical spectroscopy. Along with covering many spectroscopic techniques, such as infrared (IR) spectroscopy and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, the articles published this week covered many core industries, including artificial intelligence, environmental analysis, and even the sports industry.

Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

An Interview with ACS Award in Spectrochemical Analysis Recipient Ji-Xin Cheng

The editors of Spectroscopy sat down with Ji-Xin Cheng, Moustakas Chair Professor of Photonics and Optoelectornics at Boston University, who will be receiving the ACS Award in Spectrochemical Analysis award at the SciX conference in October 2024.

Advanced IR Spectroscopy Techniques Revolutionize Micro- and Nanoplastics Research

This article discusses the pervasive issue of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment and their potential risks to ecological and human health. A recent review in Analytical Methods explores advancements in IR spectroscopy for analyzing these pollutants (2). It highlights Fourier-transform IR (FT-IR) spectroscopy, quantum cascade laser IR (QCL-IR) spectroscopy, optical photothermal IR (O-PTIR) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy-based IR (AFM-IR) spectroscopy as key techniques (2). The review provides a comparative analysis of these methods, identifying their strengths and limitations, and underscores the need for continuous advancements in IR technology to enhance the accuracy of MNP detection and characterization.

Lithium Metal Batteries and the Push for More Sustainable Electronics

Recent studies have examined alternatives to graphite anodes and instead using lithium metal anodes that could further improve battery charging capacity and performance (3). In this feature article, we spotlight the ongoing research in this field to build better batteries, and how it is affecting industries such as the automotive industry and environmental analysis.

Recapping the Latest on Artificial Intelligence and its Integration with Spectroscopic Techniques

In this article, we document how AI is transforming analytical spectroscopy. Because AI has been integrated in various industries, Spectroscopy magazine has been dedicated to covering recent studies that have used AI models and tools in combination with spectroscopic techniques (4). Here, we highlight a few of the most recent studies conducted recently by researchers around the world.

Portable Near-Infrared Detection of Melamine in Sports Supplements: A Breakthrough in Rapid Testing

This article discusses the widespread use of sports nutrition supplements (SNS) and the associated risks of adulteration, particularly with harmful substances like melamine. Traditional protein content tests, such as Kjeldahl and Dumas, fail to differentiate melamine from actual proteins (5). The researchers explored NIR spectroscopy with multivariate data processing for melamine detection. Both benchtop and portable NIR instruments showed promising results, although higher errors were noted in protein-rich samples (5). The study underscores the potential of these methods for routine quality control and on-site assessment, marking a significant advancement in food safety and the fight against adulteration.

An Examination of Drinking Water in Pakistan: Using Atomic Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy to Detect Heavy Metals

This article discusses a study on the drinking water quality in Faisalabad, Pakistan, which may pose health risks because of elevated levels of nickel, lead, and manganese. Researchers from the National Institute of Food Science and Technology used atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and optical emission spectroscopy (OES) to analyze water samples from seven regions (6). They found that 86.36% of the samples met WHO standards, while 13.64% did not (6). The study highlighted poor water quality in Madina, Jinnah, and Lyallpur Towns because of contamination by these heavy metals.

References

(1) Chasse, J. An Interview with ACS Award in Spectrochemical Analysis Recipient Ji-Xin Cheng. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/an-interview-with-acs-award-in-spectrochemical-analysis-recipient-ji-xin-cheng (accessed 2024-07-18).

(2) Workman, Jr., J. Advanced IR Spectroscopy Techniques Revolutionize Micro- and Nanoplastics Research. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/advanced-ir-spectroscopy-techniques-revolutionize-micro--and-nanoplastics-research (accessed 2024-07-18).

(3) Wetzel, W. Lithium Metal Batteries and the Push for More Sustainable Electronics. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/lithium-metal-batteries-and-the-push-for-more-sustainable-electronics (accessed 2024-07-18).

(4) Wetzel, W. Recapping the Latest on Artificial Intelligence and its Integration with Spectroscopic Techniques. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/recapping-the-latest-on-artificial-intelligence-and-its-integration-with-spectroscopic-techniques (accessed 2024-07-18).

(5) Workman, Jr., J. Portable Near-Infrared Detection of Melamine in Sports Supplements: A Breakthrough in Rapid Testing. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/portable-near-infrared-detection-of-melamine-in-sports-supplements-a-breakthrough-in-rapid-testing (accessed 2024-07-18).

(6) Wetzel, W. An Examination of Drinking Water in Pakistan: Using Atomic Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy to Detect Heavy Metals. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/an-examination-of-drinking-water-in-pakistan-using-atomic-absorption-and-emission-spectroscopy-to-detect-heavy-metals (accessed 2024-07-18).