Non-destructive rapid analysis discriminating between chromium(VI) and chromium(III) oxides in electrical and electronic equipment using Raman spectroscopy.

The European Union has banned chromium(VI) compounds in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), such as chromate conversion coating films. Chromium(III) compounds are not banned. Using Raman spectroscopy without any preparation, we distinguished chromium(VI) oxide from chromium(III) oxide and chromium(III) hydroxide in chromate conversion coating films. Raman bands of chromium(VI) oxide were detected in films at around 1000 and 500 cm(-1), while chromium(III) compounds generated no bands in the region between 2000 and 200 cm(-1). The analysis took about 1 min, whereas the usual diphenylcarbazide-colorimetric method for analyzing chromium(VI) compounds takes about 10 h.     

Recent developments in the analysis of brominated flame retardants and brominated natural compounds

This article reviews recent literature on the analysis of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and brominated natural compounds (BNCs). The main literature sources are reviews from the last five years and research articles reporting new analytical developments published between 2003 and 2006. Sample pretreatment, extraction, clean-up and fractionation, injection techniques, chromatographic separation, detection methods, quality control and method validation are discussed. Only few new techniques, such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME) or pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), have been investigated for their ability of combining the extraction and clean-up steps. With respect to the separation of BFRs, the most important developments were the use of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and the growing tendency for liquid-chromatographic techniques for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) stereoisomers and of tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A). At the detection stage, mass spectrometry (MS) has been developed as well-established and reliable technology in the identification and quantification of BFRs. A growing attention has been paid to quality assurance. Interlaboratory exercises directed towards BFRs have grown in popularity and have enabled laboratories to validate analytical methods and to guarantee the quality of their results. The analytical procedures used for the identification and characterization of several classes of BNCs, such as methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-PBDEs) (also metabolites of PBDEs), halogenated methyl or dimethyl bipyrroles (DBPs), are reviewed here for the first time. These compounds were generally identified during the routine analysis of BFRs and have received little attention until recently. For each topic, an overview is presented of its current status.     

Microwave-assisted extraction for qualitative and quantitative determination of brominated flame retardants in styrenic plastic fractions from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)

A fast method for the determination of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in styrenic polymers using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV) was developed. Different extraction parameters (extraction temperature and time, type of solvent, particle size) were first optimised for standard high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) samples containing known amounts of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca-BDE). Complete extraction of TBBPA was achieved using a combination of polar/non-polar solvent system (isopropanol/n-hexane) and high extraction temperatures (130 °C). Lower extraction yields were, however, obtained for Deca-BDE, due to its high molecular weight and its non-polar nature. The developed method was successfully applied to the screening of BFRs in standard plastic samples from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE); TBBPA could be fully recovered, and Deca-BDE could be identified, together with minor order polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners.     

A review of the analysis of novel brominated flame retardants

This review provides a summary of various analytical methodologies applied to the determination of “novel” brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in various environmental compartments, as reported in peer reviewed literature, either in print or online, until the end of 2010. NBFRs are defined here as those brominated flame retardants (BFRs) which are either new to the market or newly/recently observed in the environment. The preparation and extraction of sediment, water, sewage sludge, soil, air and marine biota samples, the extract clean-up/fractionation and subsequent instrumental analysis of NBFRs are described and critically examined. Generally, while the instrumental analysis step mainly relies on mass-spectrometric detection specifically developed for NBFRs, and hyphenated to liquid or gas chromatography, preceding steps tend to replicate methodologies applied to the determination of traditional BFRs such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). Shortcomings and gaps are discussed and recommendations for future development are given.     

Sample handling and analysis of brominated flame retardants in soil and sludge samples

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) comprise diverse chemical compounds used in a variety of commercial applications. Those used most are polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). The impact of BFRs on the environment and their potential risks for animals and humans is of concern to the scientific community. A number of studies have reported analytical methods and levels of some BFRs, especially PBDEs, in sediments and biota. However, there is much less literature relating to sewage sludge and treated soil. In this article, we discuss the use of different sample-preparation techniques applied to these matrices, as well as the different approaches to mass spectrometry (MS). Finally, we review the available data concerning the occurrence of BFRs in sewage sludges, before presenting our conclusions and outlining future perspectives.     

Sliding spark spectroscopy – rapid survey analysis of flame retardants and other additives in polymers

A sliding spark spectrometer with a new powerful excitation source was used to detect halogens, flame retardants and metals in non-chlorine containing polymers. The sliding spark source generated discharges using up to 2 kJ of stored energy. The new generator results in improved signal-to-background ratios (SBR) by the factor of three. With this source and a newly developed low cost charge-coupled device spectrometer it was possible to detect elements simultaneously in polymer materials within 5 s. Fillers and white pigments containing Pb, Ti, Zn, Si, Mg, Ca and Ba were qualitatively detected in polyethylene and polypropylene. Acrylnitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer samples containing different types of flame retardants were analysed and Cl, Br, P, Sb, Al, Mg and Zn were detected. Limits of detection of about 0.1% w/w for elements in chlorine-free polymers were obtained. The use of multiple linear regression gave better results than the use of one individual spectral line.     

Methods for the determination of phenolic brominated flame retardants, and by-products, formulation intermediates and decomposition products of brominated flame retardants in water

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are the chemicals of high importance within the REAch framework. In addition to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), other BFRs such as bromophenols, intermediates in FR formulation like bromoanilines, and their brominated and non-brominated by-products such as bromoanisoles, bromotoluenes, bromoalkanes and 1,5,9-cyclododecatriene, respectively should be monitored and controlled because of their toxicity and their very low odour and taste thresholds, below sub-nanogram-per liter levels. In the present study several analytical methods for the simultaneous determination, i.e., combining one single sample treatment and one analysis step, of these compounds in water have been developed, optimized and evaluated. The methods involve a (pre-concentration)-extraction technique, such as liquid-liquid (LLE), solid-phase (SPE), headspace (HS) extraction or solid-phase microextraction (SPME), followed by gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) analysis with either electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) or electron impact (EI) as ionization techniques. ECNI is more sensitive than EI for analytes with more than one bromine atom. HS and SPME were previously optimized by means of a multifactorial experimental design. Extraction temperature and the liquid/headspace volume ratio were the most significant factors in HS extraction. In SPME, the variables studied were the nature of the fiber, the mode of extraction and the extraction temperature. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fibers appeared to be more suitable than carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (CAR-PDMS) for the analysis of the target compounds with more than one bromine atom. The extraction of 2,4-dibromoaniline was only achieved in a direct immersion mode, in which the optimal extraction temperature was 60 degrees C. The methods LLE-GC-(ECNI)MS, LLE-GC-(EI)MS, SPE-GC-(ECNI)MS, SPE-GC-(EI)MS, HS-GC-(EI)MS and SPME-GC-(EI)MS were evaluated in terms of linearity, precision, detection limits and trueness. All methods, with the exception of HS-GC-(EI)MS, were linear in a range of at least two orders of magnitude, giving recoveries above 75% and detection limits at the low ng/L level for most of the target analytes. SPE-GC-(ECNI)MS is the most sensitive and reliable method for the determination of most of the bromine compounds, whereas SPE-GC-(EI)MS is the most suitable to quantify the three isomers of 1,5,9-cyclododecatriene. Both methods together with SPME-GC-(EI)MS (for qualitative confirmation) were applied to water samples from the Western Scheldt (The Netherlands), where 2,6-dibromophenol and 2,4,6-tribromoanisole could be detected at levels higher than their respective odour thresholds.     

Characterisation of five technical mixtures of brominated flame retardants

The main components of five technical mixtures of brominated flame retardants were identified by mass spectroscopy, H-NMR, IR spectroscopy, elementary analysis, and HRGC-MS, respectively. The mixtures have been identified as: phosphoric acid bromopropylates: Bromcal P 67-6 HP; C18-alkylated bromophenols: Bromcal P 40-3; dibromopropyl-2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether: Bromcal 73-5 PE; brominated diphenyl ethers (PBrDE): Bromcal 70-5 DE; decabromodiphenyl ether: Bromcal 82-0. Gas chromatographic retention data of the various constituents were measured on standard GC columns. The data prove the interference of some of the brominated compounds with PCBs and other halogenated pesticides in HRGC using the electron capture detector.     

Pressurised hot-water extraction of brominated flame retardants in sediment samples

Summary A pressurised, hot-water extraction (PHWE) method was developed for brominated flame-retardants in sediments. The effect of extraction time, temperature and pressure on PHWE recovery was investigated, together with solid-phase collection parameters (trapping material, length of trapping column, eluent composition). The concentrated extracts were analysed by GC-MS. PHWE recoveries were compared with those obtained by conventional Soxhlet-extraction. In general, recoveries were much higher with PHWE than with Soxhlet.     

Rapid identification of brominated flame retardants by using direct exposure probe mass spectrometry

A rapid method for analyzing brominated flame retardants (BFRs) was developed using direct exposure probe/mass spectrometry (DEP/MS). The BFRs used in this study included 1,2-bis(pentabromophenyl)ethane (EBP), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), which are included in the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS).Quantitative analysis was conducted using octabromodiphenyl ether (octa-BDE), nonabromodiphenyl ether (nona-BDE), and decabromodiphenyl ether (deca-BDE). The samples were extracted by ultrasonication, following which the diluted sample solutions were analyzed by DEP/MS. Finally, the characteristic ions in the mass spectra of BFRs were identified.The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for deca-BDE were 0.163 and 0.495 mg/kg, respectively. The calibration curve showed a linearity (R² = 0.9984) within 0.5-16 μg/mL. The relative standard deviation ranged from 2.78% to 6.76%. The octa-BDE and nona-BDE samples showed similar results. Finally, the certified reference material (CRM, NMIJ CRM 8108-a, Japan) for the deca-BDE analysis was used, and the recovery was 96.4%.     

Non-destructive analysis of museum objects by fibre-optic Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is a versatile technique that has frequently been applied for the investigation of art objects. By using mobile Raman instrumentation it is possible to investigate the artworks without the need for sampling. This work evaluates the use of a dedicated mobile spectrometer for the investigation of a range of museum objects in museums in Scotland, including antique Egyptian sarcophagi, a panel painting, painted surfaces on paper and textile, and the painted lid and soundboard of an early keyboard instrument. The investigations of these artefacts illustrate some analytical challenges that arise when analysing museum objects, including fluorescing varnish layers, ambient sunlight, large dimensions of artefacts and the need to handle fragile objects with care. Analysis of the musical instrument (the Mar virginals) was undertaken in the exhibition gallery, while on display, which meant that interaction with the public and health and safety issues had to be taken into account. Experimental set-up for the non-destructive Raman spectroscopic investigation of a textile banner in the National Museums of Scotland     

Extraction of brominated flame retardants from polymeric waste material using different solvents and supercritical carbon dioxide

Different procedures were examined to extract pure and high concentrations of a series of brominated flame retardants from various polymer materials. These procedures include supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO₂), modified sc-CO₂, solvent and soxhlet extraction. Extraction with sc-CO₂ gave low extraction efficiencies (between 6 and 20%) probably due to the low pressure of sc-CO₂ used. The use of toluene, acetonitrile and THF as modifier in sc-CO₂ raised the extraction efficiencies for many flame retardants. High extraction efficiencies were achieved for tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), TBBPA-bis-(2,3-dibromopropylether) (TBBPA-dbp), TBBPA-carbonatoligomer (TBBPA-co) and decabromodiphenylether (DECA) (between 93 and 100%) by using 1-propanol as solvent during soxhlet extraction. Toluene instead of 1-propanol was used where insufficient extraction of the flame retardant occurred. The materials (before and after extraction) were analysed with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF), high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC/UV), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) techniques. The properties of the extracted flame retardants such as TBBPA, TBBPA-dbp and 1,2-bis(tribromophenoxy)-ethane (TBPE) are in good agreement with those of standard reference materials.     

Clean-up method for determination of established and emerging brominated flame retardants in dust

A clean-up method was developed to enable the determination of tri-decabrominated diphenyl ethers, isomer-specific hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), (2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), and bis(2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) in the same dust sample extract using reasonable amounts of solvents and without dividing the sample. After extraction, the sample was separated on a silica column into three fractions that were subsequently cleaned up individually. The polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and DBDPE were eluted in Fraction I, TBB, TBPH, and BTBPE in Fraction II, and HBCDs in Fraction III. Fractions I and II were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and Fraction III using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The method gave good recoveries (60-120%), precise results using (13)?C-labelled internal standards and was accurate when comparing results to certified values (PBDEs in NIST SRM 2585). The method was applied to dust samples from the Stockholm (Sweden) area. All the emerging brominated flame retardants (BFRs) studied, except BTBPE, were present in all the samples in quantifiable concentrations, often higher than the PBDEs. BTBPE was quantified in only one sample. It is evident that emerging BFRs are present in Swedish homes, and these compounds should be included in the BFR analyses of indoor environments.     

Versatile and fast gas chromatographic determination of frequently used brominated flame retardants in styrenic polymers

Two versatile and fast methods to identify and quantify brominated flame retardants (BrFRs) in styrenic polymers were developed. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) as well as gas chromatography with electron-capture detection (GC/ECD), both following ultrasonic-supported dissolution and precipitation (USDP), were applied. The substance range includes poly-brominated biphenyls (PBBs) and diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), as well as other commonly used flame retardants (FRs), including two phosphate-based flame retardants. The methods were verified using congener standards and flame-retardant polymer samples. Good recoveries were found. Overall run time for the analysis, including sample preparation, is less than 60min.     

Analytical characteristics and determination of major novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in indoor dust

A new method was developed and optimized for the detection of major “novel” brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), which included decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), tetrabromobisphenol A-bis(2,3-dibromopropylether) (TBBPA-DBPE), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) and hexachlorocyclopentadienyl-dibromocyclooctane (HCDBCO). Several solid phase sorbents were tested, and finally, a two-step cleanup procedure was established. The first step on activated silica was used to fractionate the dust extracts, while the second step on acidified silica (silica gel impregnated with sulphuric acid 44% w/w) and on Florisil®, respectively, was essential for advanced cleanup. High recoveries for NBFRs (range, 75–94%) were achieved. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry in electron capture negative ionization using a DB-5ms (15 m?×?0.25 mm?×?0.1 μm) capillary column. Quantification of DBDPE, BTBPE and TBBPA-DBPE was based on ion m/z 79, while characteristic ions were used for quantification of TBB (m/z 359), HCDBCO (m/z 310) and TBPH (m/z 384). The method provided good repeatability; within- and between-day precision were ≤14% for all NBFRs. Method limits of quantification ranged between 1 and 20 ng g^?1; dust and NBFRs were not detected in blanks. The method was further applied to indoor dust (n?=?21) collected from e-waste facilities in Thailand. Except for HCDBCO, all NBFRs were detected in the e-waste dust with concentrations up to 44,000 and 22,600 ng g^?1 DBDPE and BTBPE, respectively. The dust profile was dominated by DBDPE (50%)?>?BTBPE (45%)?>?TBBPA-DBPE (3%)?>?TBPH (1.9%)?>?TBB (0.1%). Significant correlations (p?相似文献   

Probing new approaches using atmospheric pressure photo ionization for the analysis of brominated flame retardants and their related degradation products by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Atmospheric pressure photo ionisation has been evaluated for the analysis of brominated flame retardants and their related degradation products by LC-MS. Degradation mixtures obtained from the photochemical degradation of tetrabromobisphenol A and decabromodiphenylether were used as model systems for the assessment of the developed methodology. Negative ion mode gave best results for TBBPA and its degradation compounds. [M - H]- ions were formed without the need of using a doping agent. MS and MS/MS experiments allowed the structural identification of new TBBPA "polymeric" degradation compounds formed by attachment of TBBPA moieties and/or their respective cleavage products. In the case of polybromodiphenylethers, the positive mode provided M*+ ions and gave better results for congeners ranging from mono- to pentabromodiphenylethers whereas for higher bromination degrees, the negative ion mode (providing [M - Br + O]- ions) was best suited. Under both positive and negative ionisation modes, the use of toluene as doping agent gave better results. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry by means of atmospheric pressure photo-ionisation was applied to the analysis of aromatic brominated flame retardants and their degradation products. This methodology proved to be particularly useful, for the characterisation and structural identification of some compounds which are not amenable to GC-MS, especially in the case of apolar "polymeric" degradation products of tetrabromobisphenol A investigated in this work.     

Towards rapid nanoscale chemical analysis using tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with Ag-coated dielectric tips

The influence of dielectric substrates on the Raman scattering activities of Ag overlayers has been investigated. Materials with low refractive indices, such as SiO₂, SiO_x and AlF₃, were found to provide suitable supporting platforms for Ag films to give strong surface-enhanced Raman scattering for dye molecules when illuminated at 488 nm. This finding was then extended to tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS). Huge enhancements of 70–80×, corresponding to net enhancements of >10⁴, were observed for brilliant cresyl blue test analyte when Ag-coated tips made from or precoated with low refractive index materials were applied. The yield of fabricated tips that significantly enhance the Raman signals was found to be close to 100%. These findings provide crucial steps towards the use of TERS as a robust technique for rapid chemical imaging with nanometer spatial resolution. Figure Silver-coated dielectric tips for tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) are capable of more than 10,000-fold enhancement