Programme ESAS - CSSC 2022

Significance of the Conference Theme

The ESAS-CSSC 2022 conference assembled leading experts in advanced spectroscopic and hyphenated analytical techniques. Such methods are vital for addressing challenges in environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical and biomedical research, material science, and cultural heritage studies. By showcasing cutting-edge instrumentation and novel approaches, the event underscored the continuous evolution of analytical chemistry to meet demands for higher sensitivity, selectivity, spatial resolution, and green methodologies.

Goals and Overview of the Program

This six-day gathering (September 4–9) offered a balanced mix of plenary lectures, invited and student talks, poster sessions, and social events. Each day featured parallel sessions covering key areas:

• Surface-Enhanced Raman and Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
• Raman & Infrared Spectroscopy
• ICP-MS/OES Speciation and Elemental Analysis
• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Microwave Plasma OES/AES
• Luminescence, Mass Spectrometry, Mössbauer, LA-ICP-MS, and LIBS

Networking opportunities included a welcome party, observatory visit, and conference dinner.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Presentations highlighted a wide array of modern instruments and techniques:

• Handheld Raman spectrometers, SERS substrates, and TERS probes for chiral and biological analysis
• Micro-FTIR and FTIR-QCL imaging for microplastics and soil components
• Single-particle and tandem-quadrupole ICP-MS for nanoparticle and speciation studies
• High-resolution continuum source AAS and plasma-induced chemical vapor generation
• Quantum cascade lasers for isotopic analysis of nitrous oxide and other gases
• Laser ablation ICP-MS and LIBS for spatially resolved imaging of minerals, biological tissues, and cultural heritage materials
• Mössbauer spectroscopy and microwave plasma emission for solid-state and environmental analyses

Main Topics and Discussion

Key themes included:

• Chiral discrimination without labels via SERS/TERS
• Advanced approaches to microplastics detection and uncertainty evaluation
• Ultrafast and time-resolved spectroscopic monitoring of photochemical and biochemical reactions
• Speciation of trace metals, metalloids, and organic contaminants in water and soils
• Integration of chemometric and imaging techniques for depth-resolved analysis
• Green and miniaturized sample introduction methods for atomic spectrometry

Benefits and Practical Applications

Attendees gained insights into state-of-the-art methods for:

• Rapid on-site detection of pollutants and biomarkers
• High-resolution chemical and structural mapping of complex samples
• Non-invasive analysis of artworks and cultural heritage artifacts
• Speciation workflows for environmental risk assessment
• Novel sensors and optical materials for real-time monitoring

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Discussions pointed to several emerging directions:

• Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for automated spectral interpretation
• Development of multimodal, portable devices combining Raman, IR, and mass spectrometry
• Advances in quantum cascade laser sources for selective gas analysis
• Ultrafast spectroscopies for monitoring dynamic processes at the molecular level
• Green and solvent-free sample preparation techniques

Conclusion

The ESAS-CSSC 2022 demonstrated the vibrant progress across spectroscopic and hyphenated techniques. By fostering interdisciplinary exchange, the conference set the stage for future collaborations and accelerated adoption of novel analytical solutions in academia and industry.

Reference

No external literature was cited in the program summary.