Scientists from the CTLAB at CEITEC Brno University of Technology used a new industrial CT scanner to examine the Bastion ballistic helmet manufactured by the U.S.-based company Ballistic Armor Co. Without making a single cut, the scanner revealed the helmet's internal structure, including its individual protective layers, and confirmed the absence of manufacturing defects. The results demonstrate the technology's potential for quality control and the development of protective equipment for the defense industry.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4be342238c.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Bastion Helmet by Ballistic Amor Co. scanned at CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4be342238c.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067">Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique widely used in medicine. Using X-rays, CT scanners produce detailed 2D cross-sectional images or 3D models of internal organs, allowing physicians to examine the inside of the human body without surgery and identify structural changes in tissues. Industrial CT scanners at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ctlab.ceitec.cz/">CTLAB CEITEC</a> operate on the same principle but use significantly higher X-ray energies than medical systems. This enables researchers to inspect larger and more complex objects with exceptional precision while keeping them completely intact through non-destructive testing.The laboratory's newest scanner, the Waygate Technologies phoenix v|tome|x L450, installed only at the end of last year, is unique in the research environment. Its size and power allow it to penetrate, for example, steel objects up to 7 centimeters (2.8 inches) thick while maintaining a resolution of only a few tens of micrometers.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4_bf54aa6ef1.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Anna Smith from Ballistic Armor Co. and Michaela Škaroupková from CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4_bf54aa6ef1.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067">"Based on its technical capabilities, we knew this system could analyze highly complex composite materials. That's why we challenged it with the Bastion ballistic helmet from Ballistic Armor Co.," explains Tomáš Zikmund from the X-ray Computed Micro- and Nano-Tomography Laboratory at CEITEC Brno University of Technology (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ctlab.ceitec.cz/">CTLAB CEITEC</a>). The helmet is designed to provide protection against handgun ammunition.The helmet is manufactured from Aramid fibers, better known by the trade name Kevlar. Aramid is widely used in ballistic protection and aerospace applications because of its exceptional strength, durability, and low weight. Combined with the helmet's other materials, it forms a highly complex internal structure that only the most advanced CT systems can visualize.<h3>CT Helps Ensure Quality Without Damaging the Product</h3>As part of the study, the Bastion helmet was exposed to X-rays for several hours. The result was a highly detailed 3D model of its internal structure, clearly revealing the individual ballistic layers as well as the soft padding materials—all without cutting the helmet apart. The analysis also detected no manufacturing defects."Results from non-destructive CT inspections like this improve our understanding of how protective equipment is built and help manufacturers maintain the highest standards of quality and safety," says Anna Smith, Director of Business Development at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ballisticarmorco.com/">Ballistic Armor Co</a>.Non-destructive CT analysis, however, is not a substitute for standard ballistic testing, which remains essential for verifying that protective equipment meets the required ballistic resistance specified by applicable standards. Instead, the technology serves as an effective tool for routine manufacturing quality control, verification of production consistency, and regular audits of products whose ballistic performance has already been validated.According to Tomáš Zikmund, the successful test marks another important milestone in demonstrating the capabilities of the laboratory's new CT system for defense applications. Earlier this spring, the research team showcased the scanner by examining an airsoft rifle, non-destructively verifying the correct placement of mechanical components and wiring while also inspecting the materials for pores and microcracks.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_3_9a68c9c71c.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Bastion Helmet by Ballistic Amor Co. scanned at CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_3_9a68c9c71c.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067">These studies demonstrate that industrial CT has an important role to play in the defense sector. In many cases, it can complement destructive quality-control methods used during manufacturing by enabling detailed inspections without disassembling or damaging the product. Modern CT technology provides deep, highly precise, and completely non-destructive inspection. It does not, however, replace conventional ballistic testing, which remains the only method capable of verifying the required level of ballistic protection."Our goal is to strengthen collaboration between science, technology development, and the defense industry," Zikmund concludes. "We believe our technology can help manufacturers not only improve production quality but also gain valuable insights into the behavior of materials and the design principles behind modern protective equipment."<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_2_1559697260.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Bastion Helmet by Ballistic Amor Co. scanned at CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_2_1559697260.jpeg 104w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2400"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_5_8dab8c31ab.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Anna Smith from Ballistic Armor Co. and Michaela Škaroupková from CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_5_8dab8c31ab.jpeg 103w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2420">

Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut 

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 3rd August 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies and Shimadzu and other document by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Determination of Toxic Elements in Durian and Jackfruit Using an Agilent Automated ICP-MS System According to China GB 5009.268</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_icpms_durian_5994_9351en_agilent_fcafe537c7.pdf">Full PDF for download</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>Fruit is an essential part of daily human nutrition, providing vital vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.3 The Chinese market, with over 1.4 billion people, has become one of the largest fruit markets in the world. It is expected that China's total fruit consumption will reach about 312 million tons by 2025.4 Additionally, fruit imports are projected to exceed 9 million tons annually, underscoring the country's strong domestic demand and reliance on imported supplies.&nbsp;Within this context, China has become a major export destination for Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, and others. Thanks to favorable climate conditions and a wide variety of tropical fruit cultivars, these countries have strategically increased their fruit exports to satisfy Chinese market demand. Specifically, products such as durian and jackfruit have gained significant popularity, playing an increasingly vital role in regional agricultural trade.&nbsp;However, the biggest challenge for those countries when entering the Chinese market is strict food safety regulations, especially limits on trace elements and heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As). The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) sets very low Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs, Table 1). Additionally, the large, continuous volume of fruit exports makes time a critical factor, as any delay can affect product quality and reduce its economic value. This situation places significant pressure on testing laboratories, requiring the development of stable, rapid, and accurate methods to ensure continuous and reliable operations.&nbsp;To address these challenges, the Agilent ICP Workflow Automation System offers a practical solution. The ICP‑MS 7900 provides high-throughput, highly sensitive, and precise measurements of trace elements and heavy metals, including Pb, Cd, Hg, and As. The combination of ADS2 and AVS helps reduce sample turnaround time and cost per analysis. The Advanced Dilution System (ADS2) automatically performs important tasks such as preparing a multipoint calibration from a single stock standard up to 400 times, diluting samples above the calibration range, or, if there is an internal standard recovery issue, eliminating the need for manual dilution. The Advanced Valve System (AVS) automatically rinses the sample introduction system while the next sample is being analyzed, virtually eliminating the delays typical of conventional analysis. Using controlled argon bubble injection between the sample and rinse solution prevents mixing, reducing uptake and rinse times. This study describes the use of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=7900">Agilent 7900 ICP-MS</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=SPS+4">Agilent SPS 4 autosampler</a>, AVS, and ADS2 auto-dilution for the analysis of four toxic elements in durian and jackfruit samples using the China GB 5009.268 method.1<h4>Results and discussion&nbsp;</h4><h5>Automatic calibration standards and Instrument stability&nbsp;</h5>A 7-point calibration curve automatically prepared using the ADS 2 demonstrated excellent linearity over the concentration range of 0.05–10 µg/L. Using a 1/x weighted regression without forcing the calibration through the origin, all analytes achieved coefficients of determination (R²) ≥ 0.995 (Figure 3), with back-calculated concentrations within 90–110% of their theoretical values, confirming the suitability of the calibration range for routine quantification. The integrated automation workflow significantly improved laboratory productivity by completing calibration preparation and analysis in approximately 1.5 minutes per sample. By minimizing manual operations and operator intervention, the ADS 2 reduced the risk of contamination and human error while enabling higher sample throughput for routine food safety testing.&nbsp;To evaluate instrument stability during continuous operation, the variation in internal standard recoveries was monitored throughout an analytical sequence of more than 70&nbsp;consecutive samples. The recoveries of the three internal standards across different measurement modes remained consistently within the ±20% acceptance limit throughout the analytical sequence (Figure 4). Blank samples interspersed between concentration intervals showed no evidence of carryover, demonstrating effective system cleanliness and analytical robustness. These results confirm the excellent long-term stability and robust matrix tolerance of the Agilent 7900 ICP-MS, providing reliable performance for high-throughput routine food safety testing.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The Agilent 7900 ICP-MS, integrated with the SPS 4 autosampler, ADS 2, and AVS, delivers a fully automated, high-throughput workflow for routine trace-level multi-element analysis. By eliminating manual standard preparation and minimizing operator intervention, the solution reduces labor costs, improves data consistency, and empowers laboratories to maximize productivity and analytical capacity to meet increasing testing demands.&nbsp;Excellent sensitivity, long-term stability, and robust interference removal, together with satisfactory recoveries, repeatability, and reproducibility for As, Cd, Pb, and Hg at an LOQ of 5 µg/kg, demonstrate reliable analytical performance. Compliance with Chinese regulatory requirements further position the Agilent automation solution as a cost-effective platform for high-volume food safety testing and export quality assurance, enabling laboratories to confidently support the growing demand for exports to the Chinese&nbsp;market.<h3>2. Shimadzu: TOC Evaluation of Surfactants</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01160_en_539fba0ba2.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User benefits</h5><ul><li>TOC can be evaluated accurately using the TC-IC method, even for foaming surfactants.&nbsp;</li><li>The ASI-L autosampler enables automatic, continuous measurement of multiple samples, improving analytical efficiency.</li></ul>Surfactants are important chemicals widely used in detergents and dispersants for pharmaceutical equipment cleaning processes, chemical manufacturing processes, and environmental water management. If surfactant residues remain after such processes, they can not only affect manufacturing processes and final product quality, but also increase the organic load in wastewater and environmental water. Therefore, quality control is also needed for organic matter derived from surfactants.&nbsp;Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis is effective for evaluating the quality of surfactants. In general, the NPOC (non-purgeable organic carbon) method is often selected for TOC measurement in terms of sample volume and analysis time requirements. On the other hand, because surfactants have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups in their structure, they tend to foam even at low concentrations. When such samples are measured by the NPOC method, which involves acid addition and sparging, foaming can cause the sample to overflow from the syringe vessel inside the instrument into the waste line. That can result in measurement valuesthat are lower than the true value.&nbsp;This article compares TOC measurement results for surfactants obtained by the NPOC method and the TC-IC method using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=TOC-L">Shimadzu TOC-L total organic carbon analyzer</a>, which uses the combustion oxidation method.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>Table 5 summarizes the results obtained by measuring sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate solutions, used here as representative surfactant samples, by the NPOC method and the TC-IC method. With the NPOC method, the TOC recovery rates were below 50 % for all samples, whereas the TC-IC method produced satisfactory TOC recovery rates close to 100 % for all samples.Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate solutions (carbon concentration: 0.5 mg/L) is also used in Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP) recovery tests. For surfactants that readily foam, such as in this example, NPOC measurements involving acid addition and sparging may affect measurement accuracy due to sample loss. For such samples, accurate TOC values can be obtained by using the TC-IC method. In addition, by using the ASI-L autosampler, multiple samples can be measured automatically and continuously.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: How rhodium plating can affect gold XRF results</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=315&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=niton">Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XRF Analyzers</a> can help precious metals professionals detect rhodium (Rh) plating and interpret gold (Au) results with confidence.<ul><li>Other document (smart note)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/rhodium_plating_can_affect_gold_xrf_results_sn1862_en_331edc099a.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>Benefits of XRF in jewelry analysis&nbsp;</h4>Niton XRF analyzers provide capabilities that can enhance a jeweler’s operations in several ways:&nbsp;<ul><li>Identify Rh-plated gold items during routine testing&nbsp;</li><li>Reduce confusion around unexpected Au readings&nbsp;</li><li>Support more confident buying, selling, refining, and verification decisions&nbsp;</li><li>Help explain results to customers, suppliers, and trading partners&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Reduce risk in precious metals trading&nbsp;</h4>In precious metals trading, small differences in reported gold concentration can affect pricing, settlement, customer trust, and supplier relationships. Recognizing Rh plating helps users avoid unnecessary disputes, retesting, or destructive testing when the surface finish is influencing the measurement.&nbsp;<h4>Best practices&nbsp;</h4>One should always check the result for Rh when Au appears lower than expected.&nbsp;<ul><li>Test multiple locations, especially where plating may vary&nbsp;</li><li>Look for worn or unplated areas when appropriate&nbsp;</li><li>Interpret Au results in the context of surface finish and item history&nbsp;</li><li>If appropriate, remove the rhodium plating prior to XRF analysis to evaluate the underlying alloy&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>The bottom line&nbsp;</h4>Rhodium plating can make a properly karated gold item appear to return a lower Au result when it is evaluated by XRF. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=315&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=niton">Niton XRF analyzers</a> can detect Rh at the surface, helping precious metals professionals recognize plating, interpret results correctly, and make more confident decisions.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 32, 2026

In late February 2025, a train carrying benzene derailed in Hustopeče nad Bečvou, and within hours, a race was on to save the groundwater and surface water. One of the most toxic industrial substances began seeping into the gravel-sand subsoil. While fieldwork was underway to prevent the spread of contamination, decisions were already being made in the CXI TUL laboratories regarding how to subsequently clean up the contaminated rock environment.The accident ranks among the most serious environmental incidents in the Czech Republic in recent years. After a tanker train derailed, hundreds of metric tons of benzene leaked; due to the highly permeable geological subsoil, it quickly seeped into deeper soil layers and into the groundwater. The combination of the substance’s high toxicity and local conditions complicated both the emergency response and the subsequent remediation. The key was to stop further spread, determine the extent of the contamination, and establish a remediation strategy for the entire site.It was at this stage that CXI TUL became involved in the solution. At the request of the renowned remediation company DEKONTA, a.s., a team led by RNDr. Jan Němeček, Ph.D., began testing the feasibility of the in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) method. This technology is designed to break down benzene directly within the rock matrix, without the need for extensive excavation of contaminated soil or the pumping out of large volumes of groundwater. The goal was simple: to find a method that would work quickly, safely, and under the actual conditions of the affected site.<h4>Benzene Remediation: Technically Simple, Complicated in Practice</h4>Benzene is a highly toxic and carcinogenic substance that rapidly penetrates into groundwater in permeable subsoil, where it dissolves and spreads further as the water flows toward surface water bodies. Benzene also binds to rock particles and migrates in the form of vapors into overlying unconsolidated layers.Scientists in Liberec therefore tested in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) technology under laboratory conditions. The goal was to find an oxidant capable of breaking down benzene directly underground into less hazardous substances.The tests evaluated two main options: activated hydrogen peroxide and sodium peroxodisulfate. Both substances removed up to 99.99% of the benzene, but there was a difference in their kinetics and impacts on the natural environment. Activated hydrogen peroxide achieved nearly complete degradation of the contaminant within a single day. Activated sodium peroxodisulfate was slower and also significantly altered the chemistry of the water; it acidified the environment and increased the sulfate content in the water, which poses an additional environmental burden.For field applications, the researchers therefore unequivocally recommended activated hydrogen peroxide.<h4>Dosage Matters</h4>It was not just the oxidant’s effectiveness that was key. It was equally important to determine how the chemical reaction would behave in a real geological environment. The team of scientists therefore also analyzed what is known as soil oxidant consumption (SOD). It turned out that a significant portion of the oxidizing agent does not react solely with benzene but is also consumed to a significant extent by the rock environment itself, particularly by natural organic substances present in the fine-grained fraction of the soil.An oxidant consumption value was determined specifically for the local composition of the aquifers, which is essential for the correct dosing of chemicals in the field so that the remediation is not only effective but also economically viable and safe for surrounding ecosystems.<h4>One Year After the Accident: Research Turns into Real-World Assistance</h4>While the public often perceives university science as a distant world of laboratories and grant projects, it is precisely situations like this that demonstrate its practical impact. The results of the work by researchers at CXI TUL did not remain confined to academic studies but directly influenced decisions regarding the technology used to clean up one of the largest environmental accidents in recent years.

Science on the Front Lines: Cleanup of a Benzene Spill

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Since its establishment in 2011, CEITEC has quickly developed into a cutting-edge infrastructure for research which performs highly alongside the best institutes in Europe. Among the main priorities of CEITEC are the promotion of a motivating and dynamic international scientific environment, the provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and the policy of open communication and equal opportunities.

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The Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations of the Technical University of Liberec, also known as CXI TUL, was founded in 2009. Our mission is to support TUL's long-term vision of collaboration with industry and innovation.

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Environmental laboratories face increasing pressure to boost sample throughput while maintaining high data quality across various matrices, including natural waters, soils, and sediments. These samples often have high levels of dissolved solids and complex interference profiles, making fast and reliable multi-element analysis difficult with traditional ICP-MS methods. This work describes a high-throughput ICP-MS/MS workflow for routine environmental analysis that combines discrete sampling with advanced interference control using a single helium mode.&nbsp;<blockquote>Presenter: Yan Cheung, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)Yan received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Indiana University Bloomington. She joined Agilent Technologies as an Application Scientist in the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team in April 2020. Yan has extensive experience in operating and method development in ICP-MS. Yan also has years of experience working in the oil and gas industry.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Analysis of Environmental Waters by 9500 ICP-QQQ in Advanced Helium Mode

Analysis of Environmental Waters by 9500 ICP-QQQ in Advanced Helium Mode

Boost environmental lab throughput with the Agilent 9500 ICP-QQQ. Learn how advanced helium mode resolves interferences in complex matrices

Environmental Analysis via 9500 ICP-QQQ Helium Mode

Understanding the chemical stability of MXenes under realistic operating conditions is essential for their reliable use in ion separation and electrochemical systems.&nbsp;In this webinar, we highlight the application of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES, Agilent-5900) as a powerful analytical tool to quantitatively evaluate elemental evolution during MXene degradation.&nbsp;By tracking dissolved species in the solution, ICP-OES enables precise assessment of metal leaching and oxidation under pH and temperature control. Furthermore, we investigate the ion selectivity of Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene channels and their underlying physicochemical origins. We demonstrate that the interlayer spacing and surface chemistry critically regulate ion mobility, leading to pronounced Li+ selectivity among monovalent and multivalent ions. In these studies, ICP-OES 5900 serves as an indispensable analytical platform, helping us establish a fundamental basis for the application of MXenes in ion separation technologies.<blockquote>Presenter: Yuan Zhang (Research Assistant Professor, Drexel Nanomaterials Institute, Drexel University)Dr. Yuan Zhang is a Research Assistant Professor at the Drexel Nanomaterials Institute, Drexel University. An Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and a Cotswold Postdoctoral Fellow, she earned her Ph.D. in Leibniz Institute for New Materials in Germany. Her expertise spans materials science and electrochemistry, focusing on molecular-scale ion transport, 2D MXene nanofluid, and energy storage.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Elemental Evaluation of MXene Degradation and Application in Ion Separation

Elemental Evaluation of MXene Degradation and Application in Ion Separation

Study MXene stability and ion separation with Agilent. Learn how the 5900 ICP-OES tracks degradation, oxidation, and lithium selectivity

Evaluating MXene Degradation & Ion Separation via ICP-OES

Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) is a powerful technique for investigating catalyst surface chemistry under reaction conditions. In this live webinar, subject matter specialists from Michigan State University, Specac, and Thermo Fisher Scientific will discuss how in situ DRIFTS can be used to study dry reforming of methane over ceria-supported catalysts and provide insight into the surface species and reaction intermediates involved in catalytic CO₂ utilization.The session will explore DRIFTS experimental setup considerations, approaches for relating spectral observations to catalyst behavior, and examples of how researchers use in situ spectroscopy to investigate CO₂ activation and metal-support interactions. Presenters will also discuss complementary characterization techniques, including CO-DRIFTS, CO₂-DRIFTS, and CO₂-TPD-DRIFTS, and their role in catalyst research workflows.Attendees will be able to gain practical knowledge that can help strengthen catalyst characterization strategies, support experimental design, and improve interpretation of catalyst behavior in heterogeneous catalysis research.<h4>Key takeaways</h4>By attending this webinar, you can learn several aspects about this specific method of analysis:<ul><li>Apply in situ DRIFTS to investigate catalyst surface chemistry under reaction conditions</li><li>Monitor adsorbed species and reaction intermediates during dry reforming of methane</li><li>Relate spectral observations to catalyst behavior and reaction mechanisms</li><li>Investigate CO₂ activation and metal-support interactions in ceria-supported catalyst systems</li><li>Evaluate when to use complementary techniques such as CO-DRIFTS, CO₂-DRIFTS, and CO₂-TPD-DRIFTS</li><li>Incorporate DRIFTS into catalyst characterization workflows to support more informed research and development decisions.</li></ul><h4>Who should attend</h4><ul><li>Catalysis researchers</li><li>Materials scientists</li><li>Surface scientists</li><li>FTIR and vibrational spectroscopy users</li><li>Academic researchers studying heterogeneous catalysis</li><li>Scientists involved in catalyst development and characterization</li><li>Researchers working in CO₂ utilization, carbon management, and sustainable catalysis</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Md Monir Hossain, PhD Candidate, Michigan State UniversityResearcher focused on heterogeneous catalysis, carbon utilization, and DRIFTS studies of ceria-supported catalysts for dry reforming of methane.Presenter: Jim Delaney, Applications Team Lead, SpecacLeader of global spectroscopy application development and customer engagement efforts, supporting advanced research and industrial spectroscopy workflows.Presenter: Lena Woodis, PhD Product Manager, Thermo Fisher ScientificVibrational spectroscopy veteran with more than 15 years of experience in chemical instrumentation, FTIR spectroscopy, and analytical technologies.</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: From Spectra to Mechanism: Using DRIFTS to Understand CO₂ Catalysis

From Spectra to Mechanism: Using DRIFTS to Understand CO₂ Catalysis

In this webinar, subject matter specialists will discuss how in situ DRIFTS can be used to study dry reforming of methane over ceria-supported catalysts.

Using DRIFTS to Understand CO₂ Catalysis

Food fraud, adulteration, and mislabeling continue to challenge global food supply chains, creating risks for manufacturers, regulators, retailers, and consumers. Stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) provides a powerful analytical approach for verifying food authenticity by measuring naturally occurring isotope fingerprints that reflect a product's origin, production practices, and ingredient composition.In this webinar, we will explore how isotope fingerprinting can be used to authenticate food and beverage products, detect economically motivated adulteration, and verify geographical origin claims. Attendees will gain an understanding of the scientific principles behind carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and sulfur isotope analysis, along with the analytical technologies used to generate these fingerprints.<h4>Through practical case studies, we will demonstrate how isotope analysis can:</h4><ul><li>Detect honey adulteration with added sugar syrups using official AOAC methods.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify the geographical origin of beef through dietary isotope signatures.&nbsp;</li><li>Differentiate authentic and mislabeled coffee based on regional rainfall patterns.&nbsp;</li><li>Identify watering of wine and other beverage adulteration.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm organic versus conventional agricultural practices.&nbsp;</li><li>Authenticate flavors, oils, sugars, and premium food products using multi-isotope approaches.</li></ul>Attendees will leave with a practical understanding of how isotope fingerprinting can be applied to real-world food integrity challenges, including origin verification, adulteration detection, and label claim validation. Through application-focused case studies and regulatory examples, participants will gain insights into selecting the appropriate isotope measurements and analytical workflows to strengthen food authenticity programs and combat food fraud across complex supply chains.<blockquote>Presenter: Christy Mancuso (Technical Sales Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Christy is an isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) specialist with experience in forensic science, food authenticity, and ecology. She earned her PhD at the University of Utah and completed postdoctoral research at the University of New Mexico. She joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2022 and supports IOMS sales in the Eastern US.</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Food Authenticity Uncovered - Using Isotope Fingerprints to Detect Adulteration and Verify Origin

Food Authenticity Uncovered: Using Isotope Fingerprints to Detect Adulteration and Verify Origin

Combat food fraud using Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS). Learn how isotope fingerprints verify origin and detect adulteration

Food Authenticity & Origin via Isotope Fingerprinting

Renewable energy resources such as solar are promising complements to the combustion of fossil fuels. However, the intermittent and diurnal nature of sunlight necessitates economical and efficient energy storage technologies. A promising approach to both storing solar energy and generating combustible liquid fuels is driving the transformation of abundant energy-poor feedstocks (CO2, H2O) into energy-dense liquid fuels using energy from solar photons, known as “artificial photosynthesis.”&nbsp;One approach for artificial photosynthesis is to immobilize fuel-producing molecular catalysts onto light-absorbing semiconductor materials to create “hybrid photoelectrodes,” allowing for both the stability of heterogenous surfaces and the tunability of molecular catalysts. The Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to Liquid Fuels (CHASE) is a multi-institutional energy innovation hub which aims to advance hybrid photoelectrodes for the light-driven generation of liquid fuels from CO2 and H2O. A variety of chemical techniques, including sonochemical hydrosilylation, π-π stacking, and electrochemical grafting, are utilized to anchor ruthenium and rhenium molecular CO2-reduction catalysts to a silicon surface.&nbsp;To study the efficacy of these catalyst loading techniques, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (employing an Agilent 7850 ICP-MS) is leveraged to quantify catalyst surface coverage. Silicon samples are digested in an HNO3/HCl matrix to solubilize ruthenium and rhenium metal centers. As each anchored molecular catalyst contains one metal center, surface coverage estimates can be drawn by pairing ICP-MS data with the dimensions of the catalyst and the size of the silicon photoelectrode. From these data, key conclusions are drawn which correlate anchoring technique, reaction time, and silicon morphology to the loadings of these molecular catalysts. This information provides a guiding framework for next-generation designs of hybrid photoelectrodes.<blockquote>Presenter: Jillian L. Dempsey (Director, Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to Liquid Fuels (CHASE) and an Associate Editor for ACS Electrochemistry)Jillian L. Dempsey is a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently the Director of the Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to Liquid Fuels (CHASE) and an Associate Editor for ACS Electrochemistry.Jillian received her S.B. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2005 where she worked in the laboratory of Prof. Daniel G. Nocera. As an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, she carried out research with Prof. Harry B. Gray and Dr. Jay R. Winkler at the California Institute of Technology, receiving her PhD in 2011. From 2011–2012 she was an NSF ACC Postdoctoral Fellow with Daniel R. Gamelin at the University of Washington.In 2012, Jillian joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research group explores charge transfer processes associated with energy capture and conversion, including proton-coupled electron transfer reactions and electron transfer across interfaces. Her research bridges molecular and materials chemistry and relies heavily on methods of physical inorganic chemistry, including transient absorption spectroscopy and electrochemistry.She has received numerous awards including the Harry B. Gray Award for Creative Work in Inorganic Chemistry by a Young Investigator (2019), the J. Carlyle Sitterson Award for Teaching First-Year Students (2017), a Sloan Research Fellowship (2016), a Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering (2015), the Agnes Fay Morgan Research Award (2020), the University Award for Advancement of Women (2021), and the Brown Investigator Award (2026).</blockquote><blockquote>Presenter: Rebecca E. Powers (Graduate Student, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)Rebecca (Becca) E. Powers is a fourth-year graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Prof. Jillian L. Dempsey’s research group.Becca graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Chemistry and B.S. in Physics from Creighton University in 2022. At Creighton University, she researched in the laboratories of Dr. Kayode Oshin and Dr. Janet Seger. While pursuing degrees in both chemistry and physics, Becca conducted research across both fields, including work on the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Becca was selected as both a Clare Boothe Luce fellow and a Goldwater Scholar during her undergraduate studies.Becca joined Prof. Jillian Dempsey’s lab in 2022 and began researching as a part of the Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to Liquid Fuels (CHASE). Her research explores the chemical and physical properties of semiconducting photoelectrodes for photon capture and solar fuel generation. Becca’s research utilizes a large range of techniques, including electrochemistry, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time-resolved infrared spectroscopy (TRIR). Becca’s outreach and research efforts have been recognized with a Prof. James Tamage Dobbins Award and UNC Chemistry Graduate Student Award for Research Excellence.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: ICP-MS for Hybrid Photoelectrode Characterization

ICP-MS for Hybrid Photoelectrode Characterization

Learn how the Agilent 7850 ICP-MS quantifies catalyst surface coverage on hybrid photoelectrodes to advance artificial photosynthesis and solar fuel research

Hybrid Photoelectrode Characterization via ICP-MS

Choosing the right internal standard is critical to achieving accurate, reliable ICP‑OES results—but knowing how and when to apply one isn’t always straightforward. In this webinar, we’ll review the fundamental principles of internal standardization in ICP‑OES and provide practical guidance on selecting the most appropriate internal standards for different elements, sample types, and analytical challenges. You’ll learn how internal standards help correct for signal drift, matrix effects, and sample introduction variability, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. Through real‑world examples, we’ll demonstrate how proper internal standard selection and implementation can improve data quality, confidence, and consistency across both routine and more challenging analyses.<blockquote>Presenter: Ana García González (Atomic Spectroscopy Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies)Ana Garcia is the Atomic Spectroscopy Application Scientist at Agilent Technologies. Ana has a broad background in atomic spectroscopy technologies, including international experience developing and validating analytical spectroscopy methods for the geochemical industry. She has also published in the fields of molecular spectroscopy and chemometrics. Ana holds a MSc in plant Biotechnology at CINVESTAV, México, and a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology Engineering.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Learn to Select and Apply the Proper Internal Standard in ICP-OES

Learn to Select and Apply the Proper Internal Standard in ICP-OES

Learn how to select and apply internal standards in ICP-OES. Correct for matrix effects, signal drift, and sample introduction variability effectively

Selecting & Applying Internal Standards in ICP-OES

Laboratories are under growing pressure to handle increasing volumes of samples and data while operating under tighter regulatory inspection, all without compromising turnaround times or traceability. In this context, many organizations attempt to extend existing workflows and legacy tools, which can introduce inefficiencies, increase manual effort, and create compliance risks. At the same time, it is not always clear which digital solutions are best suited to address these challenges.This presentation illustrates how modern digital laboratory environments streamline routine activities by minimizing manual tasks and embedding compliance directly into everyday workflows. Drawing on a real-world use case, we show how automated capture of data from multiple sample measurements at the point of execution enables a continuous, sample-centric workflow.By removing manual interventions and paper-based processes, laboratories can improve efficiency and visibility, support faster and more reliable decision-making while remaining responsive to evolving customer demands.<h4>Learning Points</h4><ul><li>The role of different systems (LIMS, SDMS, ELN) within the digital lab landscape and how they differ from each other's</li><li>How WebLab manages laboratory operations from a sample perspective, enabling you to track every sample, stage, and next action across workflows</li><li>How automated data capture from connected instruments helps reduce errors, lower contamination risks, and accelerate sample processing</li><li>You will see, through a real-life example, how integrated digital workflows improve data quality, accelerate reporting, and increase operational efficiency</li></ul><h4>Who should attend</h4>Professionals working in small to mid‑sized laboratories, including:<ul><li>Directors and Managers of Analytical, QC, or Contract Labs</li><li>Lab Operations and QA/QC Leaders</li><li>Digitalization and IT at organizations transitioning from paper, Excel, or legacy systems to LIMS</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Peter Bellstedt, PhD (Director of Business Development and Product Manager at SciY)Peter studied Biochemistry at the University of Jena before completing a PhD on the structural characterization of a DNA repair protein using solution and solid-state NMR. He was then appointed as the head of the NMR Spectroscopy Platform in Jena, Germany, where he pioneered the implementation of modern, highly efficient data-driven workflows. After five years, he moved to the University of Zurich, Switzerland, as a principal investigator, where his lab focused on structure-based drug discovery. This year, he brought his wealth of experience to the LOGS by SciY team, focusing on efficient workflow solutions for research labs and facilities on a global scale.</blockquote>

SciY: From Legacy Workflows to Paperless Labs: Track Every Sample, Process, and Decision

From Legacy Workflows to Paperless Labs: Track Every Sample, Process, and Decision

Transition from paper to a paperless lab. Discover how WebLab, LIMS, and automated data capture streamline sample tracking and boost compliance

Paperless Labs & Sample Tracking: Digital LIMS Workflows

Modern pixelated detectors can generate tens to hundreds of gigabytes of data during a single 4D-STEM scan, creating practical challenges for acquisition, processing, and interpretation.In this SelectScience® webinar, Arno Annys will demonstrate how event-driven electron detection can provide a more efficient representation of electron signals and help streamline the workflow from experiment to scientific insight.Using application-based examples, the session will explore how event-driven acquisition, adaptive scanning strategies, and real-time ptychographic reconstruction can reduce the 4D-STEM data burden, support low-dose experiments, and provide immediate feedback during acquisition.Attendees will learn how these approaches can make advanced 4D-STEM experiments more scalable, responsive, and accessible for routine use.<h5>Certificate of attendance</h5><ul><li>If you attend the live webinar, you will automatically receive a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes.</li><li>If you view the on-demand webinar, you can request a certificate of attendance by emailing editor@selectscience.net.</li></ul><h5>Webinar details</h5><ul><li>Cost: Free to attend</li><li>Location: Online</li><li>Duration: 60 minutes</li></ul>Registration is required to secure your place. If you register but can’t attend live, you will receive a link to the on‑demand recording once it becomes available<h5>Who should attend?</h5>This event is perfect for individuals working in:<ul><li>Electron microscopists, materials scientists, physicists and instrument scientists working with STEM, 4D-STEM, ptychography, diffraction imaging or electron energy-loss spectroscopy</li><li>Researchers investigating beam-sensitive materials, developers of microscopy acquisition and processing workflows, facility managers, and scientists considering the adoption of event-driven direct electron detection</li></ul><h5>What will this webinar cover?</h5>Key learning objectives:<ul><li>Understand how event-driven detection changes the way 4D-STEM data are acquired, represented and processed.</li><li>Discover how adaptive scanning strategies can improve experimental flexibility and focus acquisition on the most scientifically valuable regions.</li><li>Learn how event-by-event ptychographic reconstruction can provide rapid feedback during an experiment.</li><li>See practical examples of how event-driven workflows can reduce data volumes and support low-dose and beam-sensitive applications.</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Arno Annys (PhD Researcher, Electron Microscopy for Materials Science, University of Antwerp)Arno Annys is a PhD researcher in the group of Professor Jo Verbeeck within the Electron Microscopy for Materials Science department at the University of Antwerp. His research focuses on the development of advanced 4D-STEM and electron energy-loss spectroscopy techniques. He is particularly interested in how event-driven direct electron detectors can enable new acquisition strategies, including adaptive scanning, efficient event-based data processing and real-time electron ptychography.</blockquote><blockquote>Moderator: Todd Beanlands (Science Editor, SelectScience)</blockquote>

Select Science: Managing 4D-STEM data with smarter acquisition

Managing 4D-STEM data with smarter acquisition

Reduce 4D-STEM data burden with event-driven electron detection, adaptive scanning, and real-time ptychography in this Quantum Detectors webinar

4D-STEM Data Reduction & Event-Driven Detection

Fentanyl and synthetic drugs have fundamentally changed how law enforcement handles narcotics testing, raising the stakes for officer safety, operational speed and evidence handling. In this live discussion, Rhode Island counterdrug analyst Erik Burmeister will share how testing workflows actually work in the field today, from roadside seizures to controlled environments.Learn how agencies deploy tools like handheld Raman, trace detection and traditional methods to safely identify substances while maintaining investigative momentum. Through real-world examples, this webinar will explore key decision points, current limitations (including lab backlogs) and practical lessons you can apply within your own agency.<h5>By joining this webinar, you will learn:</h5><ul><li>How agencies are improving officer safety during narcotics identification.</li><li>Where handheld tools fit within real-world testing workflows.</li><li>When to conduct on-scene versus controlled environment testing.</li><li>Key limitations and decision points in narcotics identification today.</li><li>Operational benefits agencies are seeing from modern identification tools.</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Erik BurmeisterErik Burmeister is a seasoned intelligence and law enforcement professional with over 20 years of service in the Rhode Island Army National Guard, including three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. For the past nine years he has served as a criminal analyst with the Rhode Island National Guard Counterdrug Program. Through this role Burmeister has spent seven years assigned to the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, followed by two years with the Rhode Island State Police Intelligence Unit. His work focuses on supporting state and federal efforts to combat drug trafficking and strengthen intelligence-driven policing.</blockquote><blockquote>Speaker: Dr. Adam J. HopkinsAdam has served as the Spectroscopy Product Manager at Metrohm USA since 2016, supporting the development and application of handheld and laboratory spectroscopic solutions for substance identification and chemical analysis. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Oregon, where he specialized in nonlinear optical spectroscopy. Prior to joining Metrohm Hopkins spent several years developing spectroscopic technologies for standoff and noncontact sensing applications, with expertise in Raman spectroscopy, LIBS and other advanced analytical techniques. Through his work with law enforcement, forensic, and industrial organizations, he helps agencies evaluate and implement technologies that support safer, faster identification of unknown substances in the field and laboratory. Hopkins has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings and is the inventor on three patents related to spectroscopic technologies.</blockquote>

Metrohm: Safer Narcotics Identification in the Fentanyl Era - Lessons from Rhode Island State Police

Safer Narcotics Identification in the Fentanyl Era: Lessons from Rhode Island State Police

Learn how Rhode Island State Police use handheld Raman tools for safe fentanyl identification and faster field drug analysis in this live webinar

Safer Narcotics & Fentanyl Identification: Field Workflows

In this webinar we will discuss raw material verification testing through transparent and non-transparent packaging using the new Agilent Vaya Raman system. Vaya is the first handheld Raman spectrometer incorporating spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) technology for the quick identification of raw materials through containers. SORS reduces the need for sampling, saving cost, and resources by testing incoming goods quickly in the warehouse. Vaya combines the capabilities of conventional Raman systems with SORS for maximum sample/container compatibility. A range of container/material combinations will be discussed.<blockquote>Presenter: Luciana Terra (Application Scientist, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)Luciana Terra has a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry from the Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal-MG) as well as a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, on Chemometrics, from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), where she developed work focused on petroleum quality and derivatives using high-resolution Mass Spectrometry, NIR, and chemometrics methodologies. As part of her Ph.D., she also worked at the University of Calgary in Canada. While completing her Master’s Degree at Unicamp, Luciana developed a new methodology for drug polymorphism detection using NIR imaging and chemometrics tools for quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2019, she joined Agilent Technologies as an Application Scientist for Molecular Spectroscopy in UV-Vis, Fluorescence, IR, and Raman techniques, at Agilent Technologies, in Brazil.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Verifying Raw Materials with a Handheld Instrument

Verifying Raw Materials with a Handheld Instrument

Master raw material verification through non-transparent containers with the Agilent Vaya handheld SORS Raman system. Reduce sampling costs and downtime

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