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This PrimeView highlights how inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry can be used for quantitative analysis of major, minor and trace elements or isotopes.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) uses a plasma to ionize samples, followed by detection with mass spectrometry. This Primer discusses the major analytical variants of ICP-MS and how they can be used for trace elemental and isotopic analysis.
Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy employs short electromagnetic pulses to simultaneously measure the refractive index and the absorption coefficient of a material in a broad spectral range near a frequency of one terahertz. This Primer summarizes common techniques for generating and detecting terahertz pulses, which can be used to study physical, chemical and biological phenomena.
This PrimeView highlights the techniques involved in light-based vat-polymerization bioprinting, including two-photon lithography, digital light processing and volumetric additive manufacturing.
Light-based vat-polymerization bioprinting is used to create 3D cell-laden structures via vats filled with photoactivatable bioresins. In this Primer, Levato et al. discuss the experimental design for point-by-point, layer-by-layer and volumetric variations of the technique.
The upcycling of chlorinated plastics into value-added products is an effective method to reduce plastic pollution. In this Primer, Xu et al. describe upcycling strategies for the conversion of chlorinated waste plastics into value-added products and potential applications for these upcycled plastics.
Photocatalytic water splitting produces clean H2 gas by converting light to chemical energy. In this Primer, Nishioka et al. describe reliable methods for conducting experiments and the proper characterization and evaluation techniques to improve reproducibility in this field.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can be used to investigate chemical bonding and elemental composition. This Primer discusses how XPS can be used to characterize thin films, including key considerations for sample preparation, experimental set-up and data analysis.
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) convert mechanical energy into electric power by combining contact electrification and electrostatic induction. This Primer introduces the theoretical background of TENGs, gives an overview of fabrication methods and discusses how they can be applied as energy harvesting devices and self-powered systems.
This PrimeView highlights best practices for shell isolated nanoparticle enhanced Raman spectroscopy, with a focus on factors that can affect the workflow.
Shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) is a variation of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) that uses shell-isolated nanoparticles (SHINs) to prevent direct contact between the core of the nanoparticle and the tested substances. In this Primer, Zhang et al. describe the design considerations for shell-isolated nanoparticles, relevant experimental instrument set-ups and ways to ensure experimental reproducibility and data analysis.
This PrimeView highlights some applications of participatory action research where local ownership of research is valued and supported by social movements.
Participatory action research (PAR) involves the participation and leadership of people experiencing issues, who take action to produce emancipatory social change, through conducting systematic research to generate new knowledge. In this Primer, Cornish et al. set out key considerations for the design of a PAR project and discuss ways to overcome the challenges faced by PAR projects.
Droplet-based microfluidic systems generate microlitre droplets, giving users precise control over the chemical and biological contents of each droplet. In this Primer, Moragues et al. discuss the optimal use of droplet-based microfluidic systems and the most successful applications in biological and chemical sciences.
