Empleo de nuevas tecnologías aplicadas a la química analítica

Resumen

In recent years, technology has advanced at an unprecedented rate, transforming the way we live, work, and learn. From smartphones that put multiple tools in the palm of our hands to accessible robotics that can be learned by anyone, technology has become a ubiquitous presence in our lives. This thesis builds on this trend, exploring the interconnection between chemistry and new technologies. Specifically, the thesis focuses on the advantages of programming, image colour treatment, and 3D printing in chemistry. The thesis is divided into three sections. The first section, which comprises ten chapters, examines the use of smartphones as an analytical tool. One of the most notable features of smartphones is their camera, which can capture information about the environment. By filtering and processing this information using appropriate programming codes, colorimetric analyses can be performed. The chapters in this section explore the use of smartphones to measure foliar iron and chlorophyll content in leaves and aquatic environments, and the study of food dyes and quinine in food samples. The second section of the thesis is focused on the development of robots for automated analysis. This section includes four chapters and explores how simple platforms for programming, such as Arduino boards and Raspberry Pi devices, can be used to create electronic devices. With the correct programming of these boards and the appropriate connections to sensors and other devices, laboratory automation can be achieved at low cost and tailored to the operator's needs. The chapters in this section also discuss devices for colour analysis using Raspberry Pi and for automating the preparation and analysis of samples using Arduino. Finally, the third section of the thesis, which comprises a single chapter, focuses on educational research. This chapter explores the use of a video game as a teaching tool, designed from the perspective of gamification and Game-Based Learning (GBL). The game includes simulated laboratory practices and exercises to help students reinforce their knowledge, and presents a mini-game for laboratory waste management and videos to explain the more complex sections of the educational planning contents. Overall, this thesis provides valuable insights into the advantages of using new technologies in chemistry, with practical applications in both research and education. By exploring the interconnection between chemistry and new technologies, this thesis demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions that can revolutionize the field.