Analytical chemistry involves the quantitative and qualitative measurement of atoms, molecules, particles, and cells from the chemical standpoint. As such, all Chemists, indeed most scientists use Analytical Chemistry in some form.

Analytical chemists specifically develop new techniques and new areas of application for these techniques. Examples include the development of new separation methods like capillary electrophoresis, quantitative cytometry, electrochemical methods with micro and nanoscale probes for analysis in cells or in capillaries, mass spectrometry imaging methods, and ultrasensitive spectroscopic measurements. These measurements have literally allowed scientists of all types to change the world we live in.

The analytical area at Chalmers is pushing the limits of measurement science through the development of cutting edge instrumentation and application of new technologies to measurements of great impact. Our collaborative research teams work on projects that span all of the traditional areas of analytical chemistry including separations, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, mass spectrometry and microscopy. We have specific strengths in 1) imaging including fluorescence (both ratiometric and lifetime based), CARS and Raman microanalysis, electrochemistry, and mass spectrometry, 2) biosensors and biosensing, 3) nanobioengineering, 4) artificial cell structures, and 5) single cell analysis. Life science applications are found in neuroscience, soft nanodevices, membrane biophysics, single cell measurements related to neuroscience and cell structure, in vivo electrochemistry.

A Center for Bioanalytical Chemistry has been created to address the work in the following areas.

i. Chemical Imaging (mass spectrometry, fluorescence, electrochemistry)

ii. Nanosensor Engineering

iii. Single Cell Analysis

iv. Artificial Cell Structures

v. Nanobioengineering and Integrative Nanoscience

Of course, analytical chemistry is quite broad and the tools we develop have or will find use in fields as diverse as health sciences, environmental analysis, organic and pharmaceutical analysis, materials characterization, and chemical engineering.