Physical Characterization Instruments in IMSERC
The list of physical characterization instruments includes:
- Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) coupled with GC-MS and/or FTIR
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
- ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA) coupled with GC-MS and/or FTIR
- X-ray Fluorescence with Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (XRF-WDS)
- Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Microbalances
- Polarimeter
- Karl-Fischer Coulometer
- UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer
- Raman Spectrometer
- Fluorometer
- Magnetometer (SQUID)
- X-band CW-EPR
- X-band CW Benchtop
- Pulse X-band
- Pulse Q-band
Netzsch STA coupled with GC-MS and FT-IR
Netzsch’s Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) system allows the measurement of mass changes and thermal effects between -170°C and 1600°C. This instrument can perform simultaneously Differential Thermal (DTA) and ThermoGravimetric (TGA) analyses, or Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and TGA. Thermal events, such as materials’ decomposition and phase transitions, can be quantified. A wide range of applications from polymer identification to heat capacity measurements are possible. Furthermore, the furnace of the STA is coupled to a GC-MS and/or FT-IR where the mass of any volatile fragments can be analyzed and identified.
Capabilities
- ThermoGravimetric analysis (TGA) with sensitivity of 1μg up to 1600°C
- Simultaneous Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and TGA (-170°C to 700°C)
- Simultaneous Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and TGA (0°C to 1600°C)
TA DSC2500
TA’s high throughput Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) instrument allows the measurement of thermal events between -90°C and 500°C. Thermal events such as glass transitions, melting points, crystallizations, phase transitions, and phase changes can be measured. A wide range of applications from polymer identification to heat capacity measurements are possible. With the help of the autosampler, up to 50 samples can be loaded and measured one-by-one under different conditions.
Capabilities
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) (-90°C to 500°C)
- Heat capacity measurements
- High throughput, up to 50 samples
- Measurement of solid and liquid samples
TA TGA5500 coupled with GC-MS and/or FTIR
TA’s high throughput ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA) instrument allows the measurement of thermal events between 25°C and 1100°C. Thermal events such as decomposition temperature, oxidation events, and degassing (gas residual) can be measured. A wide range of applications from polymer identification to heat capacity measurements are possible. With the help of the autosampler, up to 25 samples can be loaded and measured one-by-one under different conditions.
Capabilities
- ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA) (25°C to 1100°C)
- Gas residual analysis
- High throughput, up to 25 samples
- Measurement of solid and liquid samples
Rigaku XRF-WDS ZSX Primus IV
Rigakus’s XRF-WDS can be used for non-destructive elemental analysis at qualitative, semi- quantitative (ratios), and quantitative levels. Sample preparation is minimal and analysis can be performed in a variety of materials’ form, such as solids, powders, liquids, thin films, etc. XRF-WDS can quantify any element in the periodic table except Li and He. This analytical technique can cover a broad concentration range from ppm to 100% with a simultaneous analysis of many elements.
Capabilities
- Non-destructive (semi-)quantitative elemental analysis
- Minimal sample preparation. Works on solids, powders, liquids, and thin films
- Broad concentration range from ppm up to 100%
- High throughput up to 48 samples
- Quick and simultaneous qualitative analysis for most elements in the periodic table
Bruker Tensor 37 FTIR (MiD IR / ATR)
The Bruker Tensor 37 FTIR Spectrometer is equipped with an Mid IR detector and KBr beamsplitter for use between 400 and 7000 cm -1 . Sample can be analyzed using the ATR attachment, a gas cell or by pressing KBr pellets. In addition to the Bruker software a ~50,000 sample library aids in the interpretation of spectra and identification of unknowns.
Capabilities
- Spectral Range from 7500 to 370 cm -1
- Resolution better than 0.6 cm -1
- Wavenumber accuracy better than 0.01 cm -1 at 2000 cm -1
- Photometric accuracy better than 0.1 % T
- Signal to noise (Minimum): 5 Sec: > 6000:1 (= < 7.2*10 -5 AU noise) peak to peak, 4 cm -1 resolution
- Scan Speed: 5 velocities, 2.2 – 40 Hz (1.4 – 25.5 mm/sec opd)
AUTOPOL VI Polarimeter
Rudolph Research Analytical's automatic microprocessor based polarimeter for measuring optical rotation. The Autopol VI has temperature control from 15-40 C and measures optical rotation at 365 nm, 405 nm, 436 nm, 546 nm, 589 nm and 633 nm.
Capabilities
- 0.0003 accuracy for low rotation samples of ±1° Arc
- Electronic cooling and heating from 15°–40°C
- Six Standard Wavelengths: 365 nm, 405 nm, 436 nm, 546 nm, 589 nm, 633 nm
Microbalances
Precise balances for weighing very small samples with a high degree of accuracy. We have two microbalances with 1 μm and 0.1 μm accuracy, respectively.
Capabilities
- 0.1 μm accuracy with maximum mass of 2.1 g
- 1 μm accuracy with maximum mass of 5.1 g
Karl-Fischer Coulometer
The Mettler-Toledo C30 titrator is equipped with a coulometric cell filled with a methanol-based electrolyte. Coulometer can quantify traces of water at ppm-levels, in liquids or solid samples. In addition, the coulometer has a furnace for quantifying water in solid samples that are not directly soluble by the methanol-based electrolyte.
Capabilities
- Quantify ppm-level of water in either liquid or solid samples
- Furnace for removing water in solids that are not soluble in a methanol-based electrolyte
Cary 5000 UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer
The Cary 5000 UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer is equipped with various light sources and detectors for use between 175 and 3300 nm. Solid powder samples can be analyzed using the Diffuse Reflectance attachment, liquids using standard cuvette holders, and translucent solids or thin films using the flat-plate transmission attachment. Variable temperature measurements of translucent solids or thin films are available in the temperature range of -25 C to 120 C.
Capabilities
- Spectral Range from 175 to 3300 nm
- Powder samples using diffuse reflectance
- Liquids in cuvettes
- Thin films in transmission (temperature range of -25 C to 120 C)
- Translucent bulk solids in transmission (temperature range of -25 C to 120 C)
- Relative specular reflectance of a sample surface at angles of incidence between 20 to 70 degrees (refractive index determination)
Horiba MacroRAM Raman
The Horiba MacroRAM benchtop Raman spectrometer is equipped with a single laser source at 785 nm and a Near Infrared (NIR) Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) detector for use between 100 and 3400 cm-1 (Stokes). Bulk liquid, solid (powder), or gas samples can be analyzed. A detachable headspace attachment is available for in-situ/operando measurements or polarized experiments on any sample.
Capabilities
- Spectral range from 100 to 3400 cm-1 (Stokes)
- Liquid, solid (powder), or gas samples
- Spectral Resolution of 8 cm-1 at 914 nm
Horiba FluoroMax-4
The Horiba FluoroMax4 fluorometer is equipped with a halogen light source and polarizers for excitation and/or emission scans between 10 and 1150 nm. Bulk liquid, solid, and powder samples can be analyzed. Time Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC), lifetime measurements as short as 25 ps can be performed. An absolute quantum yield attachment optimized for liquids, powders, films, and solids is also available.
Capabilities
- Liquid or solid samples
- Time Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC), lifetime measurements as short as 25 ps
- Phosphorescence
- Absolute quantum yields (QY)
- Polarized light
Quantum Design MPMS3 Magnetometer
The Quantum Design MPMS3 magnetometer is equipped with a cryogen-free superconducting magnet for measuring magnetic susceptibility in the range of ±7T. A Vibrating Sample attachment (VSM) is available for performing high sensitivity measurements (≤ 10-8 emu). Additionally, a sample rotator is available for running automated measurements as a function of angle in respect to the magnetic field (in-plane and out-of-plane).
Capabilities
- Liquid or solid samples
- Variable temperature measurements from 1.8K to 400K and/or variable magnetic field measurements up to ±7T
- High sensitivity measurements (≤ 10-8 emu) using Vibrating Sample measurement mode (VSM)
- Automatic rotation of sample in the field (in-plane and out-of-plane rotators)
Bruker EMXplus X-band CW-EPR
The Bruker EMXplus X-band CW-EPR spectrometer is equipped with a dielectric resonator and an EMXplus standard resonator for measuring electron resonance signals in the 9.2–9.6 GHz frequency range. The Bruker VTU 3 and ESR900 enable variable-temperature experiments from 4 K to 373 K.
Capabilities
- CW X-band Microwave bridge, 9.2 to 9.6 GHz frequency range
- Automated Tuning and Matching
- 200 mW bridge output power and 60 MHz tune bandwidth
- Magnetic field range 0 to 9600 Gauss
- Variable temperature measurements in the range from 100K to 370K
ER4123D dielectric resonator: Max sample access 5mm
Liquid Nitrogen Temperature : Bruker VTU3, 100Kto 373K
Ultra low temperature : ESR900, >4K
CIQTEK Benchtop X-band CW-EPR
The CIQTEK EPR200M X-band CW-EPR spectrometer is equipped with a compact resonator system for measuring electron resonance signals in the X-band frequency range. The system provides stable, user-friendly CW-EPR measurements for detecting paramagnetic species, including organic radicals, transition-metal ions, and material defects. The Bruker VTU 3 enables temperature-dependent EPR experiments, while the goniometer allows angle-dependent measurements for crystalline EPR studies. In addition, the xenon light source enables optically excited EPR measurements.
Capabilities
- 9.2 – 9.9 GHz frequency range
- Automated Tuning and Matching
- 100 mW output power
- Magnetic field range 1000 to 6500 Gauss
- Goniometer: 0 to 360°
- In-situ excitation with visible light
Xenon lamp : 320 ~ 780 nm, output power 2.6 W (<390nm) and 19.6W (visible light output)
Liquid Nitrogen Temperature : Bruker VTU3, 100Kto 373K
Bruker Pulse X-band EPR
The Bruker pulse X-band EPR spectrometer is equipped with a pulsed microwave bridge, X-band resonator, and low-temperature cryogenic system for advanced pulse EPR measurements. The system enables electron spin relaxation measurements, including T₁ and T₂, as well as echo-detected EPR, ESEEM, and other experiments. This instrument is suitable for studying spin dynamics, local electronic structure, and transition-metal complexes, spin-labeled biomolecules, and paramagnetic materials.
Capabilities
- 9.2 – 9.9 GHz frequency range
- Variable temperature experiments from 5 K to room temperature using a cryogen-free cryostat system
- Multiple resonators, including ER 4118-MS3, ER 4118X-MD4 and ER4118X-MD5 resonators.
- Super XFT FT-EPR Bridge enabling transient EPR measurements
Cryogen-free Cryostat: 5 K to room temperature
ESR935: >4k
Bruker Pulse Q-band EPR
The Bruker pulse Q-band EPR spectrometer provides high-field pulsed EPR capability for advanced characterization of paramagnetic systems. Operating in the Q-band frequency range, the instrument offers improved spectral resolution compared with X-band EPR, particularly for resolving g-anisotropy and distinguishing overlapping paramagnetic species. The system is well suited for detailed studies of transition-metal complexes, radicals, and spin-labeled biomolecules. With cryogenic temperature capability, the Bruker pulse Q-band EPR enables low-temperature pulsed EPR experiments, including echo-detected field-swept EPR, relaxation measurements, and DEER for determining nanoscale distance distributions.
Capabilities
- Variable temperature experiments from 15 K to room temperature using a cryogen-free cryostat system
- Multiple resonators, including EN5107 QD2 resonator and ER5106 QT2 resonator
Cryogen-free Cryostat: 15 K to room temperature