Programme ESAS - CSSC 2022

Significance of the Topic

Modern analytical spectroscopy and mass spectrometry techniques are central to a wide range of scientific and industrial applications. They enable highly sensitive, selective and rapid analysis of chemical species in fields as diverse as environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical quality control, materials science and cultural heritage studies. The comprehensive conference program reflects the critical role of these methods in advancing fundamental research, improving process control and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Study Aims and Conference Overview

The conference brought together experts from academia and industry to present the latest developments in techniques including Raman, IR, luminescence, Mössbauer, laser ablation ICP-MS, ICP-MS/OES, AAS, speciation analysis, microwave-induced plasma and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Sessions featured plenary lectures, invited talks, oral presentations and poster sessions, all aimed at disseminating breakthrough research, sharing best practices and fostering collaboration across subdisciplines of analytical chemistry.

Methodology and Covered Instrumentation

Key methodologies demonstrated in the program included:

• Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) for molecular and chiral analysis.
• Infrared spectroscopy and micro-FTIR imaging for characterization of polymers, biomolecules, microplastics and geological samples.
• ICP-MS/OES techniques, including single-particle and isotope-ratio approaches, for trace metal and nanoparticle analysis in environmental and biological matrices.
• High-resolution continuum source AAS and novel vapor generation methods for nonmetal determination and PFAS analysis.
• Laser ablation ICP-MS for elemental imaging in cultural heritage, geological and biomedical samples.
• Speciation analysis via HPLC-ICP-MS and hyphenated optical emission spectrometry for arsenic, tin, gadolinium and other metalloids/metals.
• Mössbauer spectroscopy applications to nuclear materials, alloys, minerals and biological matrices.
• Microwave plasma and glow discharge spectroscopies for element analysis in environmental, agrochemical and industrial samples.
• Luminescence spectroscopy employing lanthanide nanomaterials and time-resolved chiral probes.
• Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for rapid in situ analysis of tissues, geological and industrial process streams.

Main Themes and Discussion

The program highlighted several recurring themes:

• Enhancement of sensitivity and spatial resolution through novel substrates (SERS) and nanostructures.
• Advances in speciation analysis facilitating simultaneous quantification of multiple oxidation states at ultratrace levels.
• Integration of imaging with spectroscopy for mapping elemental and molecular distributions in complex matrices.
• Development of green and miniaturized sample introduction techniques to reduce reagent usage and waste.
• Application of high-resolution and time-resolved detection schemes for improved selectivity in complex backgrounds.
• Cross-disciplinary implementations spanning bioanalytics, environmental science, materials research and heritage conservation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The covered methods offer practical advantages including:

• Rapid and non-destructive analysis suitable for field and on-site measurements.
• High throughput screening capabilities for quality control in pharmaceuticals and food safety.
• Precise isotope ratio measurements for environmental forensics and nuclear safeguards.
• Enhanced detection limits enabling monitoring of emerging contaminants at regulatory relevant levels.
• Spatially resolved imaging supporting targeted diagnostics in medicine and archaeology.

Future Trends and Perspectives

Looking ahead, several trends will shape analytical spectroscopy:

• Further integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for spectral interpretation and real-time decision support.
• Expansion of portable and handheld instruments for in situ environmental and clinical diagnostics.
• Evolution of ultrafast and multidimensional spectroscopic techniques for monitoring dynamic chemical processes.
• Continued development of green analytical methods minimizing sample preparation and reagent consumption.
• Advances in hybrid and correlative imaging combining optical, electron and mass spectrometry modalities.

Conclusion

The conference showcased a vibrant landscape of analytical innovation, underlining the pivotal role of advanced spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques in tackling contemporary scientific and societal challenges. Continued collaboration between method developers, instrument manufacturers and end-users will be essential for translating these advances into robust, field-ready solutions.