<p><strong>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 </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894725130696?via%3Dihub#s0060"><i><strong>Chemical Engineering Journal</strong></i></a><strong>, 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.</strong></p><p>“<i>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</i>,” said <strong>Michal Otyepka</strong>, <strong>corresponding author</strong> of the article.</p><p>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.</p><p><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"></p><p>“<i>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,</i>” said the publication’s <strong>first author, Ivan Dědek</strong>.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894725130696?via%3Dihub#s0060"><strong>Toward transitioning to green and sustainable supercapacitors</strong></a></h4><p>Ivan Dědek, Vojtěch Kupka, Veronika Šedajová, Petr Jakubec, Matěj Navrátil, Michal Otyepka&nbsp;</p><p>Chemical Engineering Journal, 529, 2026, 172220</p><p><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></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><h4><strong>Abstract</strong></h4><p>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.</p>

CATRIN researchers offer a “greener” way to make supercapacitors

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

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 12/2026

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

Article

Webinars

Scientific article

Science and research

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.

CATRIN

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Mettler-Toledo

Anton Paar

Milestone

Bruker

LECO

Thermo Fisher Scientific

C&EN

<header><h4><strong>Discover Six Different DSC Methods for Determining this Important Material Property</strong></h4></header><main><div><div><h5><strong>Program</strong></h5><ul><li>Definition of specific heat capacity</li><li>Importance of specific heat capacity</li><li>Presentation of the six DSC measurement methods in the STARe software</li><li>Measurement tips and hints</li><li>Interactive Q&amp;A session</li></ul></div></div><div><div><div><p>Specific heat capacity (cp) is the energy needed to increase the temperature of one unit of mass of material by exactly 1 °C. It is typically determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) due to ease of use, short measurement times and accuracy.</p><p>Specific heat capacity is a characteristic, temperature-dependent, material property that is often specified in data sheets. It is a key property for improving technical processes such as injection molding, spray drying, and crystallization. It is critical in the safety analysis of chemical processes and design of chemical reactors.</p><h4><strong>Measurement Methods Discussed in the Webinar</strong></h4><p>Join our upcoming webinar where we present six different methods of calculating specific heat capacity. We first present the so-called <strong>Direct</strong> and <strong>Sapphire</strong> methods using a conventional DSC instrument and a linear temperature program. We then demonstrate four temperature-modulated DSC techniques: <strong>IsoStep DSC, Steady State ADSC, ADSC, and TOPEM</strong>.</p><p>Don’t miss this opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about determining this critical material property. Register now and be sure to prepare your questions for our experts!</p><h4><strong>Heat Capacity vs Specific Heat Capacity</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Heat capacity</strong> is the amount of energy needed to increase the temperature of an object by exactly 1 °C. Hence it is related to the size of the sample and does not characterize the material itself. The unit of heat capacity, Cp, is Joules per Kelvin (J/K).</li><li><strong>Specific heat capacity</strong> is the energy needed to increase the temperature of one unit of mass of an object by exactly 1 °C. This is calculated by dividing the heat capacity by the sample mass, which provides a more useful characterization of the material. The unit of specific heat capacity, cp, is typically expressed as Joules per gram per Kelvin (J/g/K).</li></ul></div><div><div data-advanced-option="false" data-has-preview-image="false" data-video-id="" data-component-id="2110920040"><div style="max-width:1px;width:100%;" id="mediaContainerWrapper_2110920040"><div style="height:1px;width:1px;" data-external-url="" id="mediaContainer_2110920040" data-advanced-option="false" data-width="1" data-height="1" data-video-id="">&nbsp;</div></div></div></div></div></div></main><div><div><div data-advanced-option="false" data-has-preview-image="false" data-video-id="" data-component-id="2110920040"><blockquote><div><strong>Presenter: </strong>Angela Hammer (Dr. sc. nat. ETH)</div><p>Dr. Angela Hammer received a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry (development of immobilized components for the use in ion-selective electrodes based on polyurethane membranes) from the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich, Switzerland. She then joined Sika Technology AG in Zurich, Switzerland, as an analytical chemist. In 2007, she joined METTLER TOLEDO and has worked there since as an application specialist for Thermal Analysis. In her present position, she uses, teaches, and supports DSC, TGA, TMA, and DMA instruments for the METTLER TOLEDO’s Materials Characterization Group located at the head office in Switzerland.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

Mettler Toledo: How to Determine Specific Heat Capacity by DSC

How to Determine Specific Heat Capacity by DSC

Explore six DSC techniques for measuring specific heat capacity and understand its importance in material performance, processing, and safety.

<div><div id="inner_content_body_text" data-content-id="394785"><p><strong>Extensional deformation plays a crucial role in processes such as blow molding, film blowing, coating, and fiber spinning—applications where shear rheology alone falls short in characterizing material behavior.</strong></p><p>In this session, real measurements are used to visually give an understanding of the core concepts of extensional rheology. Examples of standard polymers will be used to explain measuring principles and techniques.</p><p>Our measuring solutions, the SER cell and UXF cell, will be introduced, as well as current trends in extensional rheology. Participants will gain insights into choosing the appropriate setup based on their testing goals, whether for product development, competitive benchmarking, or quality control.</p><p>Whether you’re new to rheology or looking to deepen your expertise, this webinar offers a compact yet comprehensive foundation in the elongational flow behavior of polymers.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Philana Kruse, M.Sc.</p><p>Philana Kruse has a background in chemistry and plastics technology. As a research fellow at the chair for Plastics Technology, her academic work was centered around the rheological characterization of polymer materials. For the past two years she has been part of Anton Paar, where she supports customers in the field of polymer rheology with a focus on extensional testing methods.</p></blockquote></div></div>

Anton Paar: Extensional Rheology of Polymers: Air Bearing Rheometer Applications

Extensional Rheology of Polymers: Air Bearing Rheometer Applications

Explore extensional rheology of polymers, measuring principles, SER and UXF cells, practical applications in blow molding, film blowing, fibers.

Air Bearing Rheometer Applications

<p><strong>Sample preparation for elemental analysis is one of the most resource-intensive steps in the laboratory, involving aggressive acids, energy use, and significant waste generation.</strong><br><strong>This webinar will show how Milestone’s sustainable innovations, and the GreenPrep MW Score, provide a clear, measurable framework for reducing environmental impact without compromising analytical quality. Through improvements in chemistry, technology, and workflow, laboratories can cut reagent consumption, lower energy per sample, extend vessel lifetime, and reduce gas waste. Attendees will learn practical strategies to adopt greener protocols and evaluate their own processes using objective sustainability metrics.</strong></p><h4><strong>Key Learning Objectives:</strong></h4><ul><li>Understand the <strong>GreenPrep MW Score</strong> and how it provides an objective way to evaluate and benchmark sustainability in sample preparation.</li><li><strong>Reduce environmental impact by adopting</strong> greener digestion chemistries that minimize acid volumes, waste, and operator exposure.</li><li>Leverage <strong>energy-efficient microwave technologies</strong> to lower energy consumption per sample while maintaining high digestion performance.</li><li>Enhance <strong>workflow sustainability</strong> through acid purification, automated reagent dosing, and cleaner, safer vessel-handling practices.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Lorenzo Rossi (Application Specialist at Milestone)</p></blockquote>

Milestone: Sustainable Sample Preparation for Elemental Analysis: Practical Actions for a Greener Lab

Sustainable Sample Preparation for Elemental Analysis: Practical Actions for a Greener Lab

Sustainable sample preparation for elemental analysis, introducing Milestone GreenPrep MW Score, greener chemistries, and energy-efficient microwave digestion.

Sample Preparation for Elemental Analysis

<h4><strong>Food &amp; Feed Sample Preparation Webinar Series</strong></h4><p><strong>Ensuring food and feed quality requires reliable determination of both contaminants and nutrients, yet sample preparation remains one of the most challenging and time-consuming steps in the analytical workflow. This webinar series introduces modern approaches to digestion and extraction that improve data quality, reduce reprocessing, and increase laboratory productivity. Through four dedicated events, covering heavy metals, organic contaminants, macro/trace minerals, and nutritional parameters such as fats, FAMEs, and amino acids, participants will discover optimized, practical workflows tailored to real-world food and feed testing.</strong></p><h4><strong>Session: Heavy Metals in Food: Digestion Strategies and Complete Sample Prep Workflow</strong></h4><p>Heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, As, and Hg are strictly regulated in food and feed, requiring robust digestion and a well-controlled sample preparation workflow. This webinar covers best practices for microwave digestion of diverse food matrices using systems such as ETHOS and ultraWAVE 2 eco. A case study on baby food will illustrate common challenges such as matrix complexity, contamination control, and blank management. Participants will learn how to build a reliable sample-to-analysis workflow that ensures accuracy, reduces re-runs, and supports regulatory compliance.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Giulio Colnaghi (Marketing Manager, Milestone Srl)</p></blockquote>

Milestone: Food & Feed Sample Preparation Webinar Series

Heavy Metals in Food: Digestion Strategies and Complete Sample Prep Workflow

This webinar covers best practices for microwave digestion of diverse food matrices using systems such as ETHOS and ultraWAVE 2 eco. 

Digestion Strategies and Complete Sample Prep Workflow

<div><p><strong>Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring two global pioneers in spatial chemical analysis: Jonathan Sweedler from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Carsten Hopf from the Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy (CeMOS) at Mannheim University.</strong></p><h4><strong>What you will learn:</strong></h4><ul><li>How advanced multimodal imaging workflows enable highly specific ROI-focused molecular imaging in complex tissues.</li><li>How combining QCL-based IR microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and MALDI Imaging allows rapid feature detection, and deeper molecular analysis.</li></ul><h4><strong>Who should join:</strong></h4><ul><li>Experienced MALDI Imaging users aiming to improve spatial specificity, molecular identification confidence, and sample throughput.</li><li>Scientists and researchers interested in multimodal imaging workflows that integrate IR and fluorescence microscopy to guide targeted MALDI Imaging.</li></ul><h4><strong>Topics covered:</strong></h4><ul><li>New MALDI Imaging strategies for ROI-specific molecular analysis.</li><li>Multimodal integration for rapid tissue screening and biological feature labeling.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Carsten Hopf, Ph.D.</p><p>Carsten Hopf is a Professor of Bioanalytics and Drug Discovery at Mannheim University of Applied Sciences and the Director of the Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy (CeMOS). A leader in MALDI Imaging, his work focuses on advancing various imaging modalities to map the spatial distribution of drugs, lipids, and proteins in tissues and cells for complex diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's.&nbsp;</p><p>Jonathan Sweedler, Ph.D.</p><p>Jonathan Sweedler holds the Chair in Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is the Editor-in-Chief of Analytical Chemistry. He's a pioneer in analytical neurochemistry, focusing his research on developing ultrasensitive mass spectrometry and imaging tools to uncover the chemical secrets of individual cells and complex tissues.&nbsp;</p></blockquote></div>

Bruker: MALDI Imaging Becomes IR-resistible: Going Multimodal for Advanced Biomedical Insights

MALDI Imaging Becomes IR-resistible: Going Multimodal for Advanced Biomedical Insights

Webinar on multimodal imaging combining MALDI, IR, and fluorescence microscopy for precise ROI-based molecular analysis in tissues.

MALDI Imaging Becomes IR-resistible

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>Join this webinar to learn how moisture and loss on ignition (LOI) measurements are used to assess the quality and handling of cement, fly ash, gypsum, and lime. Presenters will explain why controlling moisture, carbonation, and thermal decomposition is essential for maintaining material performance and meeting industry specifications.</strong></p><p>The session will introduce thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as an automated approach for measuring mass changes over controlled temperature programs and atmospheres. Attendees will gain insight into TGA method development, sample preparation, and instrument operation, with reference to ASTM methods for combustion residues, flue gas desulfurization solids, hydrated lime, and hydraulic cement.</p><p>Through application examples and reference material data, the webinar will demonstrate how TGA supports repeatable, standards-based moisture and LOI determination. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how these measurements can be used to monitor raw materials, detect storage or handling issues, and ensure consistent cement and construction material quality.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Jeffrey Gast (Lead Application Chemist, LECO)</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

LECO: Moisture and LOI Determination in Cement, Fly Ash, Gypsum, and Lime

Moisture and LOI Determination in Cement, Fly Ash, Gypsum, and Lime

Webinar on TGA for moisture and LOI testing in cement and construction materials, aligned with ASTM standards.

Moisture and LOI Determination in Cement, Fly Ash

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>This webinar will focus on the importance of carbon and nitrogen determination in adhesives, laminates, and cement fiber board used in construction and engineered wood products. Attendees will learn how elemental analysis supports resin formulation, quality control, and performance optimization, particularly for urea-formaldehyde–based systems where elemental ratios directly impact strength, durability, and emissions.</strong></p><p>The session will cover combustion-based analytical techniques for measuring carbon and nitrogen across a wide range of sample types, including liquids, viscous resins, and heterogeneous composites. Instrument operation, calibration strategies, and practical sample preparation approaches will be discussed to help laboratories achieve accurate, precise, and repeatable results.</p><p>In addition, the webinar will address carbon determination in cement fiber board and explain how carbon content reflects cellulose and wood pulp additions that influence flexibility, weight, and consistency. Real-world examples will demonstrate how elemental analysis data can be used to support manufacturing consistency and regulatory compliance.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Fred Schultz (Former Application Chemist, LECO)</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

LECO: Carbon and Nitrogen Determination in Adhesives, Laminates, and Cement Fiber Board

Carbon and Nitrogen Determination in Adhesives, Laminates, and Cement Fiber Board

Webinar on carbon and nitrogen elemental analysis for adhesives and cement fiber board quality control and performance optimization.

Carbon and Nitrogen Determination in Adhesives, Laminates

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>Guiding you through Qtegra ISDS workflows and introductions to some of the integrated, powerful tools to enhance your laboratory productivity and trace elemental analysis quality.</strong></p><h5><strong>Learning Points</strong></h5><ul><li>How to get the most out of Qtegra ISDS</li><li>Improving analysis quality using Qtegra ISDS</li><li>Learn how Qtegra ISDS efficient workflows can enhance your laboratory</li></ul><h5><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h5><ul><li>Users looking to enhance their current trace elemental analysis</li><li>Users looking to introduce trace elemental analysis into their laboratory</li><li>Users looking to upgrade their current trace elemental analysis instrumentation</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Matthew Gregory (Field Application Scientist, EMEA North, Trace Elemental Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>After graduating from the University of Surrey with an MChem in Chemistry, Matthew has gained over 20 years’ experience of trace elemental analysis in industry, working in environmental and precious metal research laboratories. In 2018, Matthew joined Thermo Fisher Scientific as an Applications Specialist for the Trace Elemental Analysis product range in the UK and Ireland.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>David Fishwick (Field Application Scientist, EMEA North, Trace Elemental Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>David joined Thermo in 2022 as an Applications Specialist for the Trace Elemental Analysis product range in the UK and Ireland. Prior to joining Thermo, David has gained experience of trace elemental analysis and chromatography in industry, working in GMP, GLP and UKAS accrediated R&amp;D and pharmaceutical laboratories. David holds a BSc in Chemistry from Bangor University.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Petra Gerhards (Regional Marketing Manager, EMEA, AAT, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Petra ist Diplom-Ingenieurin für instrumentelle analytische Chemie der Technischen Universität Krefeld/Deutschland. Seit mehr als 30 Jahren arbeitet sie auf dem Gebiet der Gaschromatographie und hat Erfahrung mit vielen Technologien im Bereich GC und GC-MS. Derzeit unterstützt sie in ihrer Position als EMEA Regional Marketing Manager Anwender und Kundenanwendungsteams in ganz EMEA.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 2

Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 2

Efficient Qtegra ISDS workflows and tools to improve productivity and trace elemental analysis quality in your laboratory.

<div><p><strong>Learn about how Fourier-Transform Infrared (IR) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopies enable in-depth understanding of polymer reactions. This webinar will review two main topics:</strong></p><ul><li>The curing process of polymers and how FT-IR allows for real time monitoring of kinetics and degree of cure, with calibration protocols to measure conversion percentages.</li><li>The use of EPR spectroscopy to study radical mechanisms involved in polymerization, degradation, and stability of polymer materials.</li></ul><h4><strong>Webinar Overview</strong></h4><p>Polymers are an integral part of everyday life, from household goods to various fields of research and industrial applications. The ability to study the formation, degradation and stability of polymers is an important endeavor in the development of materials with better performance and longevity. Join us for this informative webinar on understanding the mechanisms and kinetics of various polymer processes via Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and EPR Spectroscopy.</p><p>The polymer curing process, from reaction kinetics to quantification of the process, is important to understand for new materials. FT-IR is highly suited for tracking the curing process due to its sensitivity to changes in functional groups We will showcase the ability of FT-IR in monitoring reaction kinetics and quantifying the degree of cure. Attendees will also gain technical insights into optimized workflows for R&amp;D and QA environments. &nbsp; Polymerization or degradation of polymer materials can often involve the formation of free radicals. The best suited method for unambiguous detection of free radicals in polymer processes is EPR Spectroscopy, which is a high-sensitivity, versatile and non-destructive technique. We will showcase the ease-of-use the Magnettech ESR5000 benchtop spectrometer and how users can incorporate workflows to identify radicals/impurities, track kinetics, and stress test polymer materials. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>What to Expect</strong></h4><p>In this webinar, we will show how FT-IR and EPR methods provide valuable information during polymer formation and degradation processes. Learn how FT-IR can track reaction kinetics in real time and provide calibration procedures for the curing process. Dive into EPR as a robust, non-destructive technique for studying radical driven mechanisms in polymer materials under diverse conditions.</p><h4><strong>Key Learning Points</strong></h4><p>This webinar demonstrates how FT-IR and EPR are suitable for studying polymer reactions and kinetics under various conditions</p><ul><li><strong>FT-IR workflows</strong> for kinetics of curing and quantifying degree of cure</li><li><strong>Case studies using UV treated acrylates</strong> and calibration procedures for curing percentages</li><li><strong>EPR</strong> for tracking free radical driven processes in polymer reactions, degradation and testing of polymers exposed to various stimuli</li></ul><h4><strong>Who Should Attend?</strong></h4><ul><li>Polymer chemists and researchers developing new materials</li><li>Industry professionals working with polymer materials looking to add screening tools to their workflows</li><li>Polymer scientists wanting to understand the radical mechanisms that drive processes such as polymerization or degradation</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Alvaro Montoya (Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Florida, EPR Application Scientist, Bruker BioSpin)</p><p>Alvaro Montoya began his EPR career as a Ph.D. student at the University of Florida after obtaining his B.S. in Chemistry from Susquehanna University. Early in his graduate career, he made use of CW and High Field EPR in studying the catalytic mechanisms of metalloenzymes. He then grew a profound appreciation for FT EPR and expanded his EPR toolbox for his research endeavors. After completing his Ph.D., Alvaro joined Bruker in January of 2023 working as an Applications Scientist.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Dr. Sergey Shilov (Product Manager, &nbsp;Bruker Optics)</p><p>Dr. Sergey V. Shilov is a Product Manager for North America at Bruker Optics. Sergey joined Bruker in 2001. He is responsible for the support and development of new applications for the Bruker research FTIR systems. He received his Ph.D. in 1992 from the Russian Academy of Sciences in Polymer Physics and his M.S. from St. Petersburg State University (Russia) in Physics in 1986. Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation (Germany) awarded him a research fellowship in 1996. Sergey published 37 papers in peer-reviewed journals. His research interests include time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy, surface science, polymer, and life-science applications.&nbsp;</p></blockquote></div>

Bruker: Understanding Polymer Reactions and Degradation with FT-IR and EPR Spectroscopy

Understanding Polymer Reactions and Degradation with FT-IR and EPR Spectroscopy

Use FT-IR and EPR to study polymer curing, reaction kinetics, and radical mechanisms in polymerization and degradation.

Polymer Reactions with FT-IR and EPR Spectroscopy

<p><strong>Raman microscopy is widely used for chemical identification and chemical imaging, yet many real-world organic samples remain difficult to analyze with Raman. Biological tissues, cells, and environmental microplastic samples often exhibit strong fluorescence backgrounds, while weak scattering limits sensitivity. This can lead to researchers frequently encountering long acquisition times, uncertain particle identification, or datasets that lack the quality needed for confident interpretation and identification.</strong></p><p>Infrared spectroscopy is a powerful technique for chemical identification of organic samples but it has poor spatial resolution compared to Raman, tied to its much larger wavelengths. This webinar will discuss a breakthrough new sub-500nm IR spectroscopy technique called Optical photothermal IR spectroscopy (O-PTIR). O-PTIR provides chemical imaging and spectroscopy without fluorescence interference in seconds on organic samples such as microplastics and life sciences.</p><p>This webinar will also discuss examples of simultaneous sub-micron IR and Raman spectroscopy, from the same sample region, such that the complementarity of IR and Raman without fluorescence interference in seconds as well as new laser-scanning based innovations for high-speed imaging for improved throughput. Application examples in microplastics characterization and life science research will demonstrate how challenging samples can be analyzed more reliably, how chemical specificity can be improved, and how multimodal workflows can provide actionable chemical information where traditional Raman imaging struggles.</p><h5><strong>Key Learning Objectives:</strong></h5><ul><li>Understand the fundamental limitations of Raman microscopy when analyzing samples such as microplastics and life science.</li><li>Learn about the new breakthrough O-PTIR technique that allows one to get sub-500nm spectra on organic samples with examples provided from microplastics and life sciences.</li><li>Discover how a combination of IR and Raman spectra obtained simultaneously and from the same sample location, can improve confidence in unknowns identification and provided, and also improved data quality.</li></ul><h5><strong>Who Should Attend:</strong></h5><ul><li>Microplastics and environmental researchers studying polymer particles in complex matrices</li><li>Cell and tissue biologists using chemical imaging or microscopy techniques</li><li>Biopharmaceutical scientists investigating subvisible protein particles, aggregates, and formulation stability</li><li>Raman microscopy and spectroscopy users encountering fluorescence or weak signal limitations</li><li>Polymer and materials scientists performing particle or surface characterization</li><li>Analytical chemists working with heterogeneous or challenging samples</li><li>Core facility managers and laboratory directors responsible for analytical instrumentation selection</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Andrew P. Ault (Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Mustafa Kansiz (Director of Product Management, Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp)</p></blockquote>

C&EN: Overcoming Raman Microscopy Challenges in Microplastics and Life Sciences

Overcoming Raman Microscopy Challenges in Microplastics and Life Sciences

Webinar on O-PTIR spectroscopy combining sub-micron IR and Raman for microplastics, life sciences, and fluorescence-limited samples.

Related content

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