Ingenious analytical tools for sophisticated applications

The core scientific objective of this project is to develop a basic understanding of the role of hydrogen bonds in various materials that play an important role in our daily life. This goal will be achieved by coupling a mass spectrometer (MS),essential to attain a higher sensitivity and specificity for chemical compounds, to a thermogravimetric analysis - Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (TGA -FTIR). This sophisticated combination of techniques will prompt to a more accurate materials characterisation. Our first experiments will focus on the investigation of new organic and inorganic materials for CO2-capture, on scrutinising for leachable substances contaminating food and pharmaceuticals and on the characterisation of potential carriers for oral vaccination.