Research

The scientific research conducted at the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, covers a wide range of topics, from detailed studies of molecules in the gas phase to sophisticated analyses of complex biosystems. Modern separation, electrochemical, and spectrometric techniques are used in research projects. The department also develops optical and electrochemical sensors, as well as unique spectroscopic systems in the microwave range and other instrumental systems, such as those for ambient mass spectrometry.

The Department of Analytical Chemistry is highly multidisciplinary; in addition to analytical chemists, it employs experts in physical, organic, computational, and nuclear chemistry. The department’s scope of expertise therefore corresponds to the modern, broad conception of analytical chemistry. At the department, students can gain experience with unique spectroscopic techniques, such as microwave spectroscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, and surface-enhanced or chiroptical spectroscopy. In addition, the department’s faculty and staff are engaged in the development of stationary phases for separation techniques, drug analysis, forensic analysis, and odor analysis using two-dimensional gas chromatography techniques coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry detection.

The breadth of their research is reflected in the range of topics they address. These include, for example, the development of new diagnostic methods for serious diseases, the development of new forensic techniques for criminal investigations, the analysis of drug formulation stability, the identification of counterfeits, the characterization of new free radicals and molecular fragments in space, materials research, and the synthesis and testing of new molecules. The department is also equipped with modern spectrometers for elemental inorganic analysis, including laser ablation with ICP-MS, nominal- and high-resolution mass spectrometers, and a wide range of spectrometers for vibrational and fluorescence spectroscopy. The department has its own NMR spectrometer and is also home to a group focused on the development of radioanalytical methods as well as a group focused on electroanalytical techniques.

The scope of each group’s activities is determined primarily by the grant projects being carried out, but also by students’ interest in the topics offered for their final theses. In carrying out these projects, there is extensive collaboration both with other domestic and international institutions and across the department’s various groups. In addition to academic and research staff, an integral part of each group consists of undergraduate students (bachelor’s and master’s) and, above all, doctoral students, who make a significant contribution to the scientific activities of the Department of Analytical Chemistry. More information on the scientific focus can be found on the websites of the department’s specific research groups.