Our research involves the development and application of chromatographic (GC, LC) methods with mass spectrometric detection (quadrupole, ion trap, TOF), sample preparation methods including extraction techniques such as hot pressurized water extraction, supercritical extraction with carbon dioxide, or solid phase microextraction. Currently, our group is involved in several areas of research: atmospheric chemistry, and characterization of biologically active molecules in plant matrices and characterization of biofuels.
In order to fully understand atmospheric processes, detailed information on major components is necessary. Air particulate matter is known for its adverse impact on heath, as well as on ever discussed climate changes. The building blocks of particulate matter are metals, salts, organic species, and elemental carbon. While inorganics are well characterized, only 20-50% of organics are usually characterized. The organics can be differentiated as polar and non-polar species. Non-polar and slightly polar compounds are directly related to primary emissions, and are quite well characterized using organic solvent extraction and GC/MS. Thus, the interest of our laboratory focuses on polar organics, which are formed from the atmospheric oxidation of volatile organics species (secondary aerosol formation). The importance of polar organics lies also in their reactivity and therefore impact on human health and climate changes.
>top<Various bioactive molecules are today isolated and/or synthesized to be used in products for food and drug industry. Our work involves development of selective isolation methods, preferentially using nontoxic solvents such as carbon dioxide and water, for antioxidants, vitamins, essential oils and other important plant components. Identification of those species is performed using chromatographic techniques with mass spectrometric detection.
>top<In order to determine the efficient methods for biofuel production and identify valuable byproducts, the detailed chemical characterization of biofuels is needed. Our laboratory collaborates with the research group lead by Dr. Seames (Chemical Engineering Department) on the project involving generation of biofuels. The biofuel characterization is performed using gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization (FID) and mass spectrometric (MS) detectors. The composition of biofuel is different when compared to petroleum fuels, and thus standard ASTM methods cannot be used for the characterization. The aim of our work is to provide detailed methods comparable to ASTM methods in petroleum fuels.
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