Research achievements

Ion-imprinted polymers for rare earth elements extraction. Imprinted polymers similarly to receptors are able to recognize the analyte that was added as a template in their synthetic process. A range of ion-imprinted copolymers of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate with methacrylic acid and divinylbenzene with styrene was synthesized and studied as effective sorption materials for selective rare earth elements extraction and preconcentration.

Microextraction with DES. To improve the effectiveness of the sample preparation techniques for spectral analytical methods we develop the microextraction techniques for the removal and preconcentration of toxic elemental impurities using deep eutectic solvents (DES) as extraction systems.

Cloud point extraction. A new separation and preconcentration procedures based on cloud point extraction were developed for arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury trace analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The combination of Triton X-100 with salting-out agents and complex forming ligands was investigated as an extraction system for trace elements quantification. The procedures suggested allow eliminating spectral interferences induced by matrix components of pharmaceuticals as well as lowering detection limits of method. They can be effectively applied for analysis of pharmaceutical products according to ICH Q3D Guideline.

ML/DL for improving analytical data. Today multielement and multicomponent analysis of functional materials and environmental objects is provided by means of spectroscopy analytical methods as ICP-OES/MS, AAS for inorganic compounds and various chromatography methods for organic ones. This approach allows to provide low detection limits for target analytes but the analysis results can be sufficiently biased by the sample preparation stage.

In contrary, non-destructive and fast ED-XRF and IR methods can provide less accurate semi-quantities results. To overcome this disadvantage, we focus on the development of both proper calibration and ML/DL treatment of spectra data with multi-parameter models to improve prediction of the target analyte content considering the inferencing effects of other components in the sample.

Functional materials for selective extraction of radionuclides. There was developed the composite calixarene-based brand-new class of systems for the registration of alpha- and beta-emissions i.e., sorption and scintillation nanomaterials for the selective concentration of radionuclides detected as the test fluid passes them in the course of free filtration, as well as for registration of signal from scintillation matrix. Application of these for radioecological monitoring can promote detection of alpha- and beta-emitting radionuclides in the external entities below the maximum permission level.

Rapid tests. Within the international project we’ve developed a number of fast and accurate test for the detection of phenothiazine, barbiturates and 1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives for customs needs as well as of iron, copper, nickel, vanadium, cobalt, manganese, chlorine, nitrites, nitrates, phenols and phosphates for environmental monitoring. Also, some test for ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, cobalt and perchlorates were developed for the detection of the inadvertent movement and illicit trafficking of radioactive materials.

Analytical services

Department of analytical chemistry of functional materials and environmental objects with Ukrainian body authorization offer wide range of analytical services as:

◦ RoHS and REACH quality control.
◦ Analysis of extra pure salts.
◦ Analysis of waste precious metals including used industry and auto catalyzers.
◦ Analysis of alloys containing precious metals.
◦ Development and validation of analytical techniques for drug quality control.
◦ Determination of precious metals in 999 ‰ gold, platinum, palladium and silver jewelry alloys.
◦ Analysis of natural and drinking water for contamination of 33 elements and major anions.
◦ Soil and air analysis for main components and trace-level impurities.
◦ Analysis of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd in raw materials and foodstuffs.