Dust, volcanic ash and even traces of sand from the Gobi Desert: all of these can be found in ice cores from the poles. They provide insights into the climatic conditions and changes on Earth tens of thousands of years ago. It is only recently that it has become possible to study the size, shape, number and chemical composition of the smallest particles. David Clases is developing new techniques to achieve this as part of the NanoArchive project, for which he was awarded an ERC Starting Grant. The researcher is now adapting the method for larger particles on a micro-scale. “From these, we can glean even more information about their properties and origin,” explains Clases. To this end, he has received further funding from the European Research Council: the Proof of Concept Grant, worth 150,000 euros.
For the first time, the scientist is combining various analytical methods to detect individual particles and characterise them much more quickly and accurately than was previously possible. The method can then also be used for numerous other applications. “It allows, for example, microplastics or individual cells to be examined efficiently and precisely,” says Clases, citing examples. “In analytical chemistry, we often act as a bridgehead, linking a wide variety of disciplines. The Proof of Concept Grant is a great example of this: whilst we drive forward new technologies and new expertise, we are in the privileged position of being able to collaborate with experts from other fields,” he says, describing his role.