Best of the Week: CO2 Photoreduction, Recognizing the Contributions of Bruce R. Kowalski

This week, Spectroscopy published articles highlighting recent studies in several application areas in analytical spectroscopy, including chemometrics, geology and mineralogy, and drug development. Key techniques highlighted in these articles include longwave infrared (LWIR) spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Happy reading!

SERS-Based Nanoscale Insights into Surface Chemistry of CO₂ Photoreduction: An Interview with 2025 Clara Craver Award Winner Prashant Jain

In a Nature Communications study, Prashant Jain and colleagues at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign used in situ nanoscale surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to monitor CO₂ reduction on silver nanoparticles under photocatalytic conditions. The technique revealed real-time formation of C₁–C₄ intermediates, including butanol, confirming efficient carbon–carbon coupling. Isotope labeling verified the photocatalytic origin of these products. In this Q&A interview, Jain discusses his study’s findings, emphasizing that actual surface species during reactions can differ from predicted outcomes (1). This interview offers critical insights for improving catalyst design and understanding CO₂ photoreduction mechanisms (1).

Bruce R. Kowalski: The Maverick Mind Behind Chemometrics

In this “Icons of Spectroscopy” column by executive editor Jerome Workman Jr., he honors Bruce R. Kowalski, an analytical chemist and founding figure in chemometrics. Kowalski’s known for his work in multivariate statistics, pattern recognition, and chemical data processing, which influenced how chemists interpret complex data sets today (2). He also significantly advanced analytical chemistry through education, software development, and global mentorship (2). As co-founder of the Journal of Chemometrics and leader in establishing research centers, Kowalski’s influence shaped both academic and industrial practices and continue to impact the field, underscoring his lasting legacy in the evolution of chemometric theory and its practical applications in science (2).

Quantifying Mineral Phases in Shield Basalts: An Interview with Pooja Sheevam

A recent study published in the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research by Pooja Sheevam and Wendy M. Calvin explored mineralogical and geochemical changes in Hawaii’s subsurface (3). Using LWIR spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, and XRF geochemistry, Sheevam and Calvin analyzed the PTA-2 drill core to identify primary silicate minerals and subsurface transformations. In this interview segment, which is the third part of a five-part interview series, Sheevam emphasizes LWIR’s effectiveness in detecting minerals like pyroxenes and olivines, which are difficult to identify using shortwave techniques (3). Despite challenges like limited spectral libraries and complex mixtures, the study revealed detailed spectral variations influenced by crystal orientation, highlighting the need for continued research into infrared spectral behavior in volcanic environments (3).

AI-Powered Raman Spectroscopy Signals New Era for Drug Development and Disease Diagnosis

A recent review by Zhenguo Wen and colleagues, published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis, examines how combining Raman spectroscopy with artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing pharmaceutical analysis. Raman spectroscopy’s non-destructive, high-sensitivity molecular analysis is enhanced by AI, especially deep learning models like CNNs, LSTMs, and GNNs, which help interpret complex spectral data (4). This integration improves drug development, impurity detection, and early disease diagnosis. AI-powered Raman techniques also strengthen pharmaceutical quality control and enable personalized treatment. However, challenges remain around model interpretability (4). Researchers are addressing this by exploring transparent AI methods, advancing the field toward more explainable, efficient, and impactful pharmaceutical solutions.

How Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Is Advancing 3D Metal Printing

A recent study published in Powder Technology highlights diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) as a powerful, non-destructive tool for quality control in additive manufacturing (AM) (5). Researchers from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology and Université Catholique de Louvain demonstrated that DRS can accurately assess powder blend uniformity in aluminum alloys with performance-enhancing additives. Unlike traditional methods, which struggle with morphological variability and require labor-intensive sampling, DRS provided consistent, sensitive results across blends (5). Its ability to detect subtle compositional changes in real time makes it ideal for monitoring powder bed fusion processes, offering significant advantages for improving product consistency and efficiency in industrial AM settings (5).

References

1. Chasse, J. SERS-Based Nanoscale Insights into Surface Chemistry of CO₂ Photoreduction: An Interview with 2025 Clara Craver Award Winner Prashant Jain. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/sers-based-nanoscale-insights-into-surface-chemistry-of-co-photoreduction-an-interview-with-2025-clara-craver-award-winner-prashant-jain (accessed 2025-06-05).
2. Workman, Jr., J. Bruce R. Kowalski: The Maverick Mind Behind Chemometrics. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/bruce-r-kowalski-the-maverick-mind-behind-chemometrics (accessed 2025-06-05).
3. Wetzel, W. Quantifying Mineral Phases in Shield Basalts: An Interview with Pooja Sheevam. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/quantifying-mineral-phases-in-shield-basalts-an-interview-with-pooja-sheevam (accessed 2025-06-05).
4. Wetzel, W. AI-Powered Raman Spectroscopy Signals New Era for Drug Development and Disease Diagnosis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/ai-powered-raman-spectroscopy-signals-new-era-for-drug-development-and-disease-diagnosis (accessed 2025-06-05).
5. Workman, Jr., J. How Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Is Advancing 3D Metal Printing. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/how-diffuse-reflectance-spectroscopy-is-advancing-3d-metal-printing (accessed 2025-06-05).