How can we make the production of supercapacitors for energy storage more sustainable and replace the traditionally used but toxic solvent NMP (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone)? According to scientists from CATRIN at Palacký University, the “green” solvents Cyrene and Tamisolve may be a suitable alternative. In an article published in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894725130696?via%3Dihub#s0060">Chemical Engineering Journal</a>, they have shown that these solvents can be used in production without reducing the performance of the equipment. They thus offer a path to the next generation of sustainable, high-performance supercapacitors for industrial use.“Supercapacitors are one of the modern technologies for storing electric energy. As sustainable energy storage becomes more prominent, it is essential to replace the hazardous solvents used in the production of supercapacitor electrodes. Our study presents Cyrene and Tamisolve as environmentally friendly alternatives to the toxic solvent NMP, which is traditionally used in production. Both tested solvents enabled the preparation of electrodes that maintain high electrochemical performance while improving environmental compatibility,” said Michal Otyepka, corresponding author of the article.The electrodes were prepared using nitrogen-doped graphene as the active material in combination with two types of binders. The first was a common fluorinated binder (PVDF), which is widely used in industry, including in the manufacturing of battery electrodes. The researchers also tested a fluorine-free binder (PVP), which has a lower environmental impact and is more soluble in environmentally friendly solvents. Using various combinations, they monitored the performance and stability of the electrodes as well as their mechanical resistance.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Vedci_z_CATRIN_nabizeji_zelenejsi_cestu_pro_vyrobu_superkondenzatoru_443775296a.jpg" alt="CATRIN: CATRIN researchers offer a “greener” way to make supercapacitors" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Vedci_z_CATRIN_nabizeji_zelenejsi_cestu_pro_vyrobu_superkondenzatoru_443775296a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="768">“The results showed that not only can the alternative solvents Cyrene and Tamisolve fully replace the toxic solvent NMP, but also that the prepared electrodes have the necessary mechanical properties. Their compatibility with both fluorinated PVDF and non-fluorinated PVP binders, together with excellent layer uniformity and electrochemical stability, makes them ideal for use in scalable applications. This is essential for industrial production,” said the publication’s first author, Ivan Dědek.Cyrene, or dihydrolevoglucosenone, is obtained from renewable biomass sources such as cellulose. Tamisolve (N-butyl-2-pyrrolidone) is a substance related to the commonly used NMP, but is more gentle on human health and the environment.Supercapacitor research has been a priority at CATRIN for almost ten years. In addition to developing new active materials, such as the successful nitrogen-doped graphene (SC-GN3), it also focuses on environmentally friendly and industrially feasible manufacturing processes. The replacement of toxic NMP with the “greener” solvents Cyrene and Tamisolve confirms that more sustainable production can go hand in hand with high performance and represents an important step towards industrial implementation.<blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894725130696?via%3Dihub#s0060">Toward transitioning to green and sustainable supercapacitors</a></h4>Ivan Dědek, Vojtěch Kupka, Veronika Šedajová, Petr Jakubec, Matěj Navrátil, Michal Otyepka&nbsp;Chemical Engineering Journal, 529, 2026, 172220<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.172220">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.172220</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>The rapid advancement of supercapacitor technologies has intensified the demand for sustainable electrode fabrication methods that minimize environmental impact. A major challenge arises from the extensive use of the toxic solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), which is subject to increasingly stringent regulatory restrictions. We demonstrate that NMP can be effectively replaced with two green solvents, dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene) and N-butyl-2-pyrrolidone (Tamisolve), without compromising electrochemical performance. Electrode formulations were prepared using nitrogen-doped graphene as the active material, in combination with either polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a widely employed fluorinated binder, or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a non-fluorinated alternative with improved environmental profile. Optimized coatings exhibited high mass loadings exceeding 6 mg cm−2 while maintaining strong adhesion to current collectors, an often overlooked yet critical parameter for scalable manufacturing. Electrochemical testing revealed that PVDF in Cyrene delivered an energy density of 66.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1.85 kW kg−1, with excellent cycling stability, retaining 91 % of capacitance after 100,000 cycles. PVP in Cyrene provided a more environmentally benign alternative, achieving an energy density of 64.2 Wh kg−1 at 1.80 kW kg−1, with 78 % capacitance retention after 100,000 cycles, thereby highlighting the trade-off between performance and sustainability.

CATRIN researchers offer a “greener” way to make supercapacitors

In the week from March 16, the following webinars await you in the field of atomic and molecular spectroscopy and spectrometry<blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinars">👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</a></h4>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database with over 5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars.</blockquote><h5>1. C&amp;EN: Advances in Cryogenic NMR Probes for Modern Labs</h5><ul><li>Tu, 17.3.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5967">Registration</a></li></ul>Discover JEOL’s SuperCOOL MARVEL cryogenic probe delivering exceptional NMR sensitivity, balanced multi-nuclei performance, and energy-efficient operation for routine and advanced workflows.<h5>2. Bruker: Acquifer HIVE – The Next Generation of Big Data Management for Microscopy</h5><ul><li>Tu, 17.3.2026 17:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5970">Registration</a></li></ul>Explore how Bruker Acquifer HIVE streamlines large microscopy image data management with centralized storage, parallel processing, and secure, scalable performance.<h5>3. Milestone: Reliable Digestion of Platinum Group Metals – A New Benchmark with ultraWAVE 3</h5><ul><li>Th, 19.3.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6012">Registration</a></li></ul>Learn how Milestone’s ultraWAVE 3 enables complete digestion of refractory platinum group metals such as iridium, ruthenium, and rhodium to improve accuracy and productivity in PGM refining and recycling.<h5>4. Bruker: Cutting Edge Imaging – Harnessing Diamond Probes for Advanced AFM Performance</h5><ul><li>Th, 19.3.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5994">Registration</a></li></ul>Discover how diamond AFM probes enhance precision, durability, and electrical imaging capabilities to increase throughput and probe lifetime in nanoscale and semiconductor applications.

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 12/2026

First Results for the Elemental Composition of Copaiba Oil Resin (Copaı́fera Spp.) from Flona Carajás By ICP–OES

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The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University is a cutting-edge scientific hub dedicated to advancing research in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. At its core, CATRIN boasts outstanding scientific teams, featuring international researchers. We emphasize interdisciplinarity, foster global collaborations, and work to translate our research findings into practical applications.

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Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-2300 Robotics-Based Automation for OES or XRF

Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-2300 enables fast, reproducible, and unattended OES/XRF analysis to optimize steel production and meet the strictest quality standards.

<h4>Meet stringent steel specifications while increasing efficiency and lowering production costs.</h4>The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-2300 Robotics-Based Automation for OES or XRF is an automated quality control solution to optimize your steel production operation. With the high-performance ARL SMS-2300 system, even complex samples are prepared and analyzed under reproducible conditions without operator intervention, eliminating human variables and subjective factors. 👉 Result: Increased output, reliable results, and reduced costs.<h3>🔧 ARL SMS-2300 Automation for OES or XRF</h3>Provides ultimate power and flexibility for automatic, unattended 24/7 operation of:<ul><li>ARL™ 4460</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1213">ARL™ iSpark</a> / <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1977">iSpark Plus OES</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?instrumentationItems=100&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=9900">ARL™ 9900 XRF</a></li></ul><h3>✅ Main Features</h3><ul><li>Easy integration into fully automatic laboratories</li><li>Installed in ARL QuantoShelter, close to production process</li><li>Parallel tasking:<ul><li>Sample preparation</li><li>Sample introduction</li><li>Analysis</li><li>Instrument stand cleaning performed in hidden time</li></ul></li><li>High throughput with:<ul><li>Automatic sample preparation</li><li>Haas Mini Mill + ARL™ PrepControl™ + EasyPrep™ software</li></ul></li><li>Direct access to Haas Mini Mill for faster ferrous sample processing</li><li>Factory-configured and customized</li><li>Compact chassis, simple installation, and integrated electronics</li><li>High reliability, rapid ROI, and fast result availability</li><li>Frees lab personnel from routine tasks</li><li>ISO 9001 compliant manufacturing and maintenance</li></ul><h3>🚀 Advanced Technology</h3><ul><li>Fanuc industrial robot</li><li>OXSAS analytical software</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-3300 Automation for Single or Twin OES or XRF

Thermo Scientific™ ARL SMS-3300 enables fully automated operation of one or two OES or XRF spectrometers, enhancing lab efficiency in industrial environments.

Drive process control laboratory efficiencies in the metals, mining and cement industries with the Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-3300 Automation for Single or Twin OES or XRF, a complete laboratory workflow automation solution. The automation of single or multiple spectrometers and preparation machines with the ARL SMS-3300 system offers:👉 Reduced sample analysis cost, 👉 Increased sample throughput, 👉 Better reproducibility, and 👉 Higher quality resultsfor users requiring more comprehensive and integrated automation solutions in the metals, mining and cement industries.<h3>🔧 ARL SMS-3300 – Automation for Single or Twin OES or XRF</h3>Provides ultimate power and flexibility for automatic, unattended, 24/7 operation of:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1213">Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ iSpark </a>/<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1977"> iSpark Plus </a>(Optical Emission Spectrometers)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?instrumentationItems=100&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=9900">Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ 9900</a> (X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer)</li></ul><h3>✅ Main Features</h3><ul><li>Designed for easy integration into fully automatic laboratories</li><li>Can be mounted in Thermo Scientific ARL QuantoShelter, close to the production process</li><li>Parallel task execution:<ul><li>Sample preparation</li><li>Sample introduction</li><li>Analysis</li><li>Instrument stand cleaning performed in hidden time by the spectrometer, independently of the robot</li></ul></li><li>Direct access to milling machine for reduced processing times of ferrous samples</li><li>Higher throughput with:<ul><li>Automatic sample preparation</li><li>ARL™ PrepControl™ system + ARL™ EasyPrep™ software</li></ul></li><li>Factory configured and customized</li><li>Compact chassis and simple installation</li><li>Integrated electronics</li><li>Improved analysis reliability and quality</li><li>Very rapid payback</li><li>Faster result availability</li><li>Qualified lab personnel freed from routine tasks</li><li>Manufactured and maintained according to ISO 9001-2000 procedures</li></ul><h3>🚀 Advanced Technology</h3><ul><li>State-of-the-art Fanuc industrial robot</li><li>OXSAS analytical software</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_SMS_3300_Automation_for_Single_or_Twin_OES_or_XRF_fadcbb621a.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL SMS-3300 Automation for Single or Twin OES or XRF" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_SMS_3300_Automation_for_Single_or_Twin_OES_or_XRF_fadcbb621a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="366">

Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-3500 Automation for Twin OES or XRF

The ARL SMS-3500 automates two OES or XRF spectrometers with smart sample flow management for fast, efficient, and continuous production control.

Drive process control laboratory efficiencies in the metals and mining industries with the Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-3500 Automation for Twin OES or XRF, a complete laboratory workflow automation solution. Primary metals producers' laboratories typically run two fully duplicate and separate spectrometry lines to assure fast response times when several urgent samples must be processed simultaneously. 👉 The ARL SMS-3500 system is an affordable alternative.The automation of multiple spectrometers and preparation machines with the ARL SMS-3500 system offers:<ul><li>Reduced sample analysis cost</li><li>Increased sample throughput</li><li>Better reproducibility</li><li>Higher quality results</li></ul>for users requiring more comprehensive and integrated automation solutions in the metals and mining industries.The ARL SMS-3500 Automation for Twin OES or XRF simplifies sample handling by providing:<ul><li>a single introduction location for all samples</li><li>a magazine storage function to free the introduction 👉 This reduces response times, increases sample processing cadence, and improves the availability of automatic sample preparation in highly critical production control environments.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_SMS_3500_Automation_for_Twin_OES_or_XRF_2_0553f2880b.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-3500 Automation for Twin OES or XRF - 2.jpg" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_SMS_3500_Automation_for_Twin_OES_or_XRF_2_0553f2880b.jpg 217w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="469"><h3>✅ Main Features</h3><ul><li>No need for time-consuming electro-mechanical transfer systems – the SMS-3500 robot moves samples between components within seconds</li><li>Simplified operation and reduced system complexity for easier maintenance and servicing</li><li>Single interface screen for all sample tracking and automation functions</li><li>Unified registration and introduction point for all production samples, with automated routing to the appropriate system components</li><li>Support for two sample preparation machines:<ul><li>Reduces response times</li><li>Increases processing cadence</li><li>Improves automatic sample preparation availability</li></ul></li><li>Operator workload is reduced – the system manages samples by priority and availability of resources<ul><li>Includes internal sample storage to free the introduction point immediately</li></ul></li><li>Each instrument can be used offline for manual tasks without interrupting automated operation</li><li>Uses the same analytical software for XRF and OES</li><li>Automation is based on proven ARL SMS software</li></ul><h3>🔧 Recommended for:</h3><ul><li>Iron and steel applications</li><li>High alloy, stainless steel, copper, brass, and bronze applications</li><li>Aluminum or fire assay applications</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ iSpark Plus Fire Assay Analyzer

Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ iSpark Plus Fire Assay Analyzer – fast and accurate spark-OES system for direct precious metals analysis in lead buttons without cupellation.

<h4>Efficient and Clean Alternative to Traditional Fire Assay</h4>Traditional fire assay analysis is labor-intensive, expensive and environmentally harmful. The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ iSpark Plus Fire Assay Analyzer provides a simple and clean alternative to traditional cupellation and analysis stages by using spark optical emission spectrometry (OES) to determine precious metal concentrations directly in lead buttons.With this system, you can achieve simultaneous quantitative determination of all precious metals in fire assay lead buttons in less than a minute. The ARL iSpark Plus is a high-end spark OES spectrometer specially optimized for lead button analysis.<h3>Applications and Detection Capabilities</h3>The analyzer is ideal for various types of samples in:<ul><li>Gold and platinum mining (plant control, exploration, metal accounting)</li><li>Precious metals refining and recycling</li><li>Contract laboratories</li></ul>Thanks to:<ul><li>1-meter focal length Paschen-Runge optics</li><li>High-performance photomultiplier tubes (PMTs)</li><li>Advanced signal processing technologies</li></ul>…it offers excellent detection limits for trace levels of gold, silver, and platinum group elements in lead buttons.<h4>Key Benefits and Technical Highlights</h4><ul><li>Unmatched hardware for long-term stability and reliability</li><li>Exceptional performance in detection limits, precision, accuracy and speed</li><li>Minimal training required for operators</li><li>Automation-ready: streamlined sample prep and high throughput</li><li>Factory-calibrated for fast commissioning</li><li>Compatible with automated fire assay labs</li></ul><h4>Advanced Technology Inside</h4><ul><li>Current Controlled Source (CCS): Flexible spark discharge control for high sensitivity, reproducibility and small sample geometry</li><li>Time Resolved Spectroscopy (TRS): Signal acquisition at optimal timing for improved sensitivity and precision</li><li>1-meter Paschen-Runge vacuum polychromator for excellent resolution</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2028">Thermo Scientific™ OXSAS™ software</a>: Powerful and intuitive interface</li><li>Temperature-controlled cast iron cabinet: ±0.1°C at 38 °C</li><li>Argon-flushed, water-cooled table with closed-loop coolant system</li></ul>

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First Results for the Elemental Composition of Copaiba Oil Resin (Copaı́fera Spp.) from Flona Carajás By ICP–OES

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 12/2026

CATRIN researchers offer a “greener” way to make supercapacitors