Current Analytical Chemistry - Current Issue

Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is becoming a powerful tool in the Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) field due to its excellent resolution and sensitivity, as well as its ability to provide spectrally and depth-resolved information. The perspective comprehensively delves into the application of ToF-SIMS in two major areas of LIBs research. Firstly, the article elucidates how ToF-SIMS has been instrumental in deciphering the Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) composition and analyzing electrolyte aging. The insights gleaned from such studies have paved the way for enhancing the longevity and safety of LIBs. Secondly, we explore the role of ToF-SIMS in scrutinizing the distribution of interface reactions, which are critical for understanding charge and discharge mechanisms. The analysis aids in optimizing the interface properties, thereby improving battery performance. Such detections are paramount in ensuring the safety and operational stability of batteries. Overall, the integration of ToF-SIMS in LIBs research offers a promising avenue for the development of advanced and safer energy storage systems.

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems, because of the non-degradable nature of heavy metals and their accumulation in the food chain, which poses a severe threat to the environment and human health even at low concentrations. Most of these metal ions can coordinate with biological molecules and disturb their function. Exposure to heavy metals can cause different health threats such as endothelial dysfunction, allergy, infant mortality, cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, oxidative stress, cardiovascular disorders and kidney diseases. Therefore the detection and removal of these toxic species are very important. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are green solvents and have excellent applications in many fields. They contain nonsymmetrical ions that have low lattice energy, low vapor pressure, dipolar nature, non-flammability, low volatility, low melting points, excellent thermal and chemical stability and high solubility. DESs are also better in terms of the availability of raw materials, easy synthetic procedure, low cost of their starting materials and their easy storage. DESs have an excellent ability for the detection and removal of heavy metal ions. In this review, we discussed various DES-based spectrophotometric and fluorimetric chemosensors for the detection of heavy metal ions in different matrixes. Additionally, we have also explored the capabilities of different DESs in removing heavy metals.

Biochar has garnered considerable attention in recent times due to its potential uses in the environmental field. In this study, we comprehensively examine and condense information on biochar production, characteristics, and adsorption mechanisms, with a focus on its economic applications for remediating hazardous contaminants. Our assessment is based on over 200 publications from the past decade. Biochar, a carbon-rich material, can be derived from various organic waste sources, such as food waste and urban sewage sludge. Researchers are particularly interested in biochar due to its high carbon content, cation exchange capacity, substantial specific surface area, and stable structure. We investigate how the physical and chemical properties of biochar may vary based on the feedstock used, providing a comprehensive overview of biochar and its composition for pollution remediation. The review also discusses common techniques such as gasification, hydrothermal carbonization, and pyrolysis used to produce biochar. We analyze current research on the mechanisms involved in pollutant treatment using biochar and its composites while also addressing future directions in biochar research.