Lucia Sládková

Algal biomass analysis by laser-based analytical techniques - a review.

Algal biomass that is represented mainly by commercially grown algal strains has recently found many potential applications in various fields of interest. Its utilization has been found advantageous in the fields of bioremediation, biofuel production and the food industry. This paper reviews recent developments in the analysis of algal biomass with the main focus on the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and partly Laser-Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma techniques. The advantages of the selected laser-based analytical techniques are revealed and their fields of use are discussed in detail.

Estimating the grade of Mg corrosion using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

We present a report on the potential use of the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technique for direct investigation of Mg corrosion and related optimization of the table-top LIBS system. Moreover, the preliminary study to prove the capability of this LIBS technique for the estimation of corrosion grade is given. In order to simulate the real corrosive environment, Mg samples were prepared in a constant climate chamber. We show that the corrosive layer on the sample surface significantly affects the properties of laser–matter interactions, i.e. among other parameters causing the matrix effect. Consequently, the properties and persistence of laser-induced plasmas (LIPs) and their composition, generated on such degraded surfaces, essentially differ. Collected radiation of LIP is then analysed and ratios of ionic to atomic Mg spectral lines are correlated with the grade of magnesium corrosion, i.e. content of Mg(OH)2 on the sample surface. The content of Mg(OH)2 is also correlated with plasma temperature as well as with the electron number density of LIP. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and optical profilometry were utilized to obtain more comprehensive information about the degradation grade of high purity Mg samples.

Detection of fluorine using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy

In general, the detection of F and other halogens is challenging through conventional techniques. In this paper, various approaches for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of F using the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique were demonstrated. In LIBS, fluorine detection can be realized by means of atomic lines and molecular bands. For the purposes of our experiment, two sets of pellets with various contents of CaF2, CaCO3 and cellulose were analyzed using a lab-based LIBS system under a He atmosphere. The fluorine atomic line at 685.60 nm was correlated with CaF signals proving their close relationship. Consequently, the limits of detection were determined for both analytical signals. Moreover, conditions necessary for the quantification of F via CaF band signals were estimated. The dependence of the CaF signal on the varying ratio of Ca and F contents was investigated. Finally, a chip of a real CaF2 crystal was prepared and its surface was mapped with Raman and LIBS systems. The obtained elemental and molecular maps showed good numerical correlations. Thus, the yielded results validated the possibility to substitute the fluorine atomic line by non-conventional CaF molecular bands in the qualitative and quantitative LIBS analysis of fluorine.

Anodizing of Zinc-Titanium Alloy in NaOH and KOH Baths

Electrochemical process of conversion coatings formation on Zn-Ti alloy surface during one-step anodizing process was studied in NaOH and KOH electrolytes over the range of voltages (4-50 V) and constant time in order to investigate parameters for the origin of anodic zinc coating. Stainless steel was used as a counter electrode and electrolyte during the anodizing process was agitated by compressed air. Coatings microstructures and morphology were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Surface topography was investigated prior and after the anodizing using non-contact optical 3D profilometer. It was found that high voltage (50 V) and low concentrations of electrolyte (0.04 and 0.1 mol/L NaOH) led to origin of white coloured oxide coatings, while lower voltage (4 and 6 V) and higher concentrations of electrolyte promote the origin of black coloured oxide coatings. Concentration of electrolyte and voltage influenced the thickness of conversion coatings and its surface morphology. Moreover, the surface morphology of the coatings was also influenced by the heterogeneity of substrate alloy.