From the sea bottom to the red planet with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) constitutes one of the most active research fields in analytical science. Among several important features, ability for adaptation to radically different scenarios constitutes its most valuable asset. For instance, technology based on LIBS has been developed for sub-sea operations and for planetary exploration, two extreme environments that require analytical solutions not available for most measurement techniques. In this talk, a discussion will be presented on the challenges represented by these analyses and the solutions envisaged using advanced LIBS approaches.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Stand-off Detection at the DLR Laser Test Range Applying Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

The DLR laser test range at Lampoldshausen allows for optical measurements under daylight conditions at distances up to 130 m. This infrastructure is very suitable for the development of stand-off detection systems of biological, chemical and explosive hazardous substances. In a first step, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been introduced to this test site. A basic LIBS set-up and first LIBS spectra of selected samples are presented. A Nd:YAG laser beam was focussed by a Cassegrain type telescope onto different samples at distances exceeding 50 m. The light of the generated plasma plume was collected by a Newtonian telescope, and analyzed by a gated broadband CCD-spectrometer system. The Nd:YAG laser yields pulse energies up to 800 mJ at a wavelength of 1064 nm and a pulse width of 8 ns. Optionally the second and third harmonics can be extracted. LIBS spectra from 10 nm layers of gold on a silicon wafer were recorded. In addition, LIBS spectra from black powder were measured, and compared to the spectrum of potassium nitrate, which is a main component of black powder and shows very characteristic emission. LIBS spectra of the above samples have also been acquired with an excitation laser wavelength in the eye-safe region. Recorded spectra are measured as a function of the laser wavelength, pulse energy, and energy density on the target and are compared to the literature

Electrodialytic processes in solid matrices. New insights into batteries recycling. A review.

Electrodialytic Remediation has been widely applied to the recovery of different contaminants from numerous solid matrices solving emerging issues of environmental concern. Results and conclusions reported in studies about real contaminated matrices are summarizes in this work. The influence of the pH value on the treatment effectiveness has been widely proved highlighting the phenomenon “water splitting” in the membrane surface. This dissociation of water molecules is related to the “limiting current” which is desirable to be exceed at the Anion Exchange Membrane in order to produce the entering of protons toward solid matrix. Other important parameters for the optimization of the technique, such as the current density and the liquid to solid ratio, are also discussed through the revision of studies using real solid matrices. This work also focusses on the pioneer proposal of electrokinetic technologies for the recycling of lithium ion batteries considering the relevance of waste properties in the design and optimization of the technique. From a thorough literature revision, it could be concluded that further experimental results are needed to allow an optimal application of the technique to the rising problem of residues from batteries. The main aim of this work is to take the first steps in the recovery of valuable metals from spent batteries, such as Li and Co, incorporating principles of green chemistry.The authors acknowledge the financial support from the “Plan Propio de Investigación de la Universidad de Málaga with Project numbers: PPIT.UMA.B1.2017/20 and PPIT.UMA.B5.2018/17 and the European project THROUGH H2020-MSCA-RISE- 2017-778045. The first author also acknowledge the postdoctoral contract obtained from University of Malaga

Application of LIBS in Detection of Antihyperglycemic Trace Elements in Momordica charantia

The present study exploits the information based on concentration of trace elements and minerals in understanding the role/mechanism of action of freeze-dried fruit powder suspended in distilled water of Momordica charantia (family: Cucurbitaceae) in diabetes treatment. Laser-induced break down spectroscopy (LIBS) spectra of plant product was recorded under optimized experimental conditions and analyzed. Several atomic lines such as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Al, etc. have been observed in the LIBS spectra of the above plant product. The concentrations of these minerals are determined by using calibration-free LIBS method. Correlation between the concentration of these elements/minerals and their defined role in diabetes management was studied in normal as well as diabetic animal model

Improvements to the Overpotential of All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries during the Past Ten Years

After the research that shows that Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS)-type sulfide solid electrolytes can reach the high ionic conductivity at the room temperature, sulfide solid electrolytes have been intensively developed with regard to ionic conductivity and mechanical properties. As a result, an increasing volume of research has been conducted to employ all-solid-state lithium batteries in electric automobiles within the next five years. To achieve this goal, it is important to review the research over the past decade, and understand the requirements for future research necessary to realize the practical applications of all-solid-state lithium batteries. To date, research on all-solid-state lithium batteries has focused on achieving overpotential properties similar to those of conventional liquid-lithium-ion batteries by increasing the ionic conductivity of the solid electrolytes. However, the increase in the ionic conductivity should be accompanied by improvements of the electronic conductivity within the electrode to enable practical applications. This essay provides a critical overview of the recent progress and future research directions of the all-solid-state lithium batteries for practical applications

Chemical Fingerprints in an Underwater Archaeological Shipwreck using a Remote Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy System

Nowadays, one of the most important areas of interest in archeology is the characterization of the submersed cultural heritage. Mediterranean Sea is rich in archaeological findings due to storms, accidents and naval battles since prehistoric times. Chemical analysis of submerged materials is an extremely valuable source of information on the origin and precedence of the wrecks, and also the raw materials employed during the manufacturing of the objects found in these sites. Sometimes extracting the archeological material from the marine environment is not practical due to the size of the sample, or is not permitted by the legislation or preservation practices. In these cases, the in-situ analysis turns into the only alternative. The versatility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been successfully tested in oceanography [1]. Advantages such as rapid and in situ analysis with no sample preparation make LIBS a suitable alternative for field measurements. A fiber-optics-based remote instrument has been designed for the recognition and identification of artworks in underwater archaeological shipwrecks. The LIBS prototype featured both single-pulse (SP-LIBS) and multipulse excitation (MP-LIBS). The use of multi-pulse excitation allowed an increased laser beam energy (up to 95 mJ) transmitted through the optical fiber. This excitation mode results in an improved performance of the equipment in terms of extended range of analysis (to a depth of 50 m) and a broader variefy of samples to be analyzed (i.e., rocks, marble, ceramics and concrete). In this work, parametric studies in the laboratory such as gas flow pressure, beam focal conditions and angle of incidence, among others, were performed to optimize the best conditions for field analysis. Finally, results obtained in these field trials confirmed the capability of remole LIBS for in-situ analysis of underwater archeological samples.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech