Instrumentation

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF): Covering the entire range between sodium and uranium, the Spectro Xepos XRF spectrometer is able to determine elemental composition of solid samples and includes a 12 position autosampler.  

Inductively-coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES): The Perkin Elmer Optima 4100DV ICP-OES system can determine trace elemental analysis (ppm to ppb) of around 60 elements. 

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS): The Perkin Elmer PenAAcle 900 AAS holds 8 hollow cathode lamps for rapid analysis. 

Flow Injection Mercury System (FIMS): The Perkin Elmer FIMS 100 allows for determination of mercury in environmental samples. 

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR): The department maintains two NMR systems. The first, used for both teaching and research, is a JEOL 300 MHz Eclipse NMR (shown above) with a 5mm tunable probe for detecting nuclei such as 1H, 13C, 19F, and 31P. The second is a 60 MHz Anasazi Instruments NMR for rapid data collection in teaching labs. 

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): The department maintains several FTIR instruments including a Smith's Detection attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FTIR specifically for sophomore-level organic chemistry labs. The instrument pictured above is a Perkin Elmer SpectrumONE FTIR capable of both diamond ATR and transmission measurements. 

FTIR Spectroscopy and Microscopy: The Thermo iS10 FTIR is a versatile tool within the department having the capability to perform diamond and germanium ATR, transmittance, specular reflectance and diffuse reflectance measurements. The coupled Centarus infrared microscope allows for spatially-resolved infrared mapping of bulk samples. 

Raman Spectroscopy and Microscopy: The Horiba LabRam HR allows users to perform both macro- and micro-Raman spectroscopy as well as remote Raman spectroscopy via a fiber coupling. With XY step sizes of 0.1µm and Z steps of 0.5µm, the confocal microscope system can collect Raman images with micron resolution. A collection of 4 lasers (including the argon ion laser seen below) provide excitation across the visible spectrum.

Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-vis): In addition to UV-vis systems maintained by individual research faculty, the department maintains an Agilent 8453 UV-vis system. The 8453 features a photodiode array detector that allows the user to capture spectra from 190nm - 1100nm in less than a second. 

Fluorescence and Phosphorescence Spectroscopy: The Perkin Elmer LS-55 spectrometer is used to measure steady state fluorescence and phosphorescence spectra of powders, films and solutions. Temperature-dependant data collection is also possible with the thermostatted cell holder and liquid nitrogen sample dewar. The xenon pulse lamp source also allows for time-gated phosphorescence measurements. 

Ultraviolet-Visible-near Infrared Spectroscopy (UV-vis-NIR): In addition to other UV-vis systems the department also maintains an Agilent Cary 5000 UV-vis-NIR system.  The Cary 5000 features an out-of-plane double Littrow monochromator design that provides industry leading resolution.  The instrument utilizes a PbSmart detector that gives excellent detection of wavelengths ranging from 175nm - 3300nm.

Dynamic Light Scattering/Zeta Potential: The department maintains a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS This utilizes a 633 nm HeNe laser to measure the optical properties of suspensions.  This instrument can be used to measure Particle size, Molecular weight, and Zeta potential. 

 Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry:

High performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): In addition to several HPLC systems controlled by individual research groups as well as the coupled HPLC shown to the right, the Department maintains the Agilent 1220 infinity HPLC pictured above. The HPLC features a dual channel gradient pump, 100 position autosampler, and variable wavelength detector. 

Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS): Our Thermo finnigan LTQ linear ion trap mass spectrometer has both electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization capabilities as well as an internal collision cell for MS n experiments. Users may either directly inject their sample into the ionization chamber or first separate complex mixtures using the coupled Dionex Ultimate3000 HPLC with tertiary gradient pump and 400 position autosampler. 

Ion Chromatography (IC): The Dionex DX-120 Ion Chromatograph can be used to separate the ions in a solution based on their charge. The DX-120 contains both cation and anion columns to fully characterize solutions. 

Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Our Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph with 150 position autosampler is coupled to a 5975C Mass Spectrometer with both electron and chemical ionization. The system is also equipped a flame ionization detector that is inline with a second inlet and column. Lastly, the system includes a G1888 headspace analyzer. .

Rheometry: The Anton Paar Physica MCR101 Rheometer can be used for shear-type rheometry in both rotational and oscillation modes. 

Gravimetric and Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA): The Perkin Elmer Diamond TG-DTA can be used to perform both thermogravimetric analysis as well as record temperature differences between a sample and standard in a technique similar to differential scanning calorimetry.