Research may help speed up express testing for sorption material waste

Researchers have created a compound that can selectively detect nitrated derivatives in three hours, which is approximately eight times faster than existing methods. Such derivatives are used in dyes, plastics, pesticides, petroleum chemistry, and paper production. The disposal of resulting waste is monitored by the relevant authorities.

New sorption materials may soon facilitate the establishment of a new express test production in Tatarstan. The research is being conducted by PhD candidate Ramilya Ziatdinova of the Supramolecular Chemistry Lab, Institute of Chemistry.

The compound created during the research can selectively detect nitrated derivatives in three hours, which is approximately eight times faster than existing methods.

She says, "One of the indicators of water pollution is the presence of nitrated derivatives. Also, sorbents are used in medicine, food production, and water treatment. We currently have a nanopowder that consists of 13 mm particles that can be used to detect derivatives quickly and faultlessly. The next step is to create express test kits. Only imported products are used for this in Russia nowadays. The only big obstacle here is financing, because very sizable investment is needed to provide the necessary production scale."

The sorbent was developed by adding silicone dioxide to a widely used commercial reagent. The detection speed has risen along with the temperature range (from 100 C to 300 C) and the acidity range.

Ms. Ziatdinova added, "Russia and Tatarstan have petrochemical industry, oil refining and chemical plants, but there are no locally produced express test kits. We have dye plants, waste treatment facilities, water supply facilities... We will continue our work and hope that it's going to have a tangible result."

Chair of the Department of Organic Chemistry Igor Antipin had this to say, "That is one of the most popular and in-demand topics in the world. Express tests are not limited to industrial monitoring. They are also of use in medical testing. The Western countries are very interested in such new methods because they care about longevity. The only way to succeed here is to create a startup where an individual moves along from research work to business and promotes the material. The only question is whether his/her endeavor becomes auspicious or not."

Provided by Kazan Federal University