Tailored Compound Specific Carbon Isotopes Analysis in Heritage Science

Abstract

Radiocarbon dating has long been a cornerstone of archaeological science, offering a reliable method to determine the age of organic materials. Yet when applied to cultural heritage objects, traditional bulk analysis methods often fall short. Our research, supported by an SNSF Ambizione program, seeks to overcome these limitations by shifting the focus from bulk materials to individual molecules. We aim to untangle the mixed carbon sources encountered in heritage materials through compound specific approaches and further target the color of an object, i.e. natural organic dyes and pigments. This perspective opens new avenues for understanding the chronology, provenance, and material history of cultural heritage objects. The implementation of compound specific radiocarbon analysis (CSRA) and compound specific isotopic analysis (CSIA) in heritage science demands not only analytical precision but also an uncompromising approach to exogenous carbon contamination control. Herein, we describe our current efforts in developing color specific carbon isotopic analyses that address this challenge.