SMARTPHONES AS ANALYTICAL TOOLS TO STUDY THE PHOTODEGRADATION OF FOOD DYES IN A LABORATORY SETTING

The use of smartphones as analytical tools represents an innovative approach that expands the possibilities for measurement in the field of chemistry.Thanks to their high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, these devices can perform functions similar to those of traditional equipment such as UV-Vis spectrophotometers.Furthermore, their portability, low cost, and ease of use make them an attractive alternative, allowing students to interact with emerging technologies and promoting hands-on learning while reducing dependence on expensive equipment.In this study, a method has been developed for students of the course "Advanced Sample Preparation Methods.Sustainability in the Laboratory," of the Master's program in Experimental Techniques in Chemistry at the University of Valencia.The activity has as its main objective to introduce the smartphone as an analytical tool to study and optimize, in a collaborative way, the photodegradation conditions of persistent organic pollutants in a continuous system.To this end, synthetic food dyes are used as models of contaminants and a photodegradation system based on a suspension of titanium dioxide (TiO) activated with ultraviolet light has been designed.The methodological approach of the practice allows students to reinforce and apply their knowledge in a real environment, learning to assemble and operate a continuous photodegradation system, analyse the efficiency of the process and compare analytical techniques such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry and colorimetric analysis with smartphones.In addition, the structure of the practice encourages collaborative work and critical evaluation of the results, promoting comprehensive training in sustainable chemical analysis techniques.