X-ray Fluorescence [XRF]
(Malvern Panalytical Zetium): When bombarded with high-energy X-rays, a material emits radiation with energy characteristic of the atoms present. This technique allows for qualitative and quantitative bulk elemental analysis of a wide range of solid and powdered materials, such as metals and polymers.
Fourier-Transform Infrared [FTIR] Spectrometer
(Thermo Nicolet iS50): FTIR spectroscopy identifies chemical bonds in a molecule by producing an infrared absorption spectrum that is a distinctive molecular fingerprint that can then be used to screen and scan samples for many different components. The iS50 has a built-in attenuated total reflection (ATR) capability which enables direct analysis of solid and liquid samples.
Liquid Chromatography
(Thermo Scientific: Ion Chromatography [IC] System ICS-5000+, Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography [UHPLC] System Dionex Ultimate 3000 with MSQ Mass Spectrometry [MS] System, Gas Chromatography [GC] System Trace 1300 with ISQ MS System): Chromatography identifies components in a mixture that are dissolved in a mobile phase. Components in mixture travel at different speeds, causing them to separate where they are easier to identify. GC is used for analysis of gaseous samples. LC and IC both analyze liquid phase mixtures, with IC being used to identify ionic contaminants.
Ion Chromatography
(Thermo Scientific: Ion Chromatography [IC] System ICS-5000+, Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography [UHPLC] System Dionex Ultimate 3000 with MSQ Mass Spectrometry [MS] System, Gas Chromatography [GC] System Trace 1300 with ISQ MS System): Chromatography identifies components in a mixture that are dissolved in a mobile phase. Components in mixture travel at different speeds, causing them to separate where they are easier to identify. GC is used for analysis of gaseous samples. LC and IC both analyze liquid phase mixtures, with IC being used to identify ionic contaminants.
TGA-FTIR-GC/MS Hybrid System
(Perkin Elmer: TGA 8000, Spectrum 3 MIR, Clarus GC 690, Clarus MS SQ8T): Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) determines a material’s thermal stability and volatile components by monitoring weight change during constant heating. FTIR spectroscopy and GC/MS are both techniques used to identify and quantify unknown materials. Hybrid, or hyphenated, systems allow for analysis and identification of complex mixtures in a single run by characterizing the volatile components, generated in the TGA thermal analysis, with FTIR and/or GC/MS.
Raman Spectrometer
(Horiba LabRAM HR Evolution): Raman spectroscopy is a technique used to determine vibrational modes of molecules, which then provide a structural fingerprint for molecule identification.
C/S and ONH Analyzers
(Leco CS744 and ONH836): CS744 measures carbon and sulfur content by combustion of metals, ores, and other inorganic materials. ONH836 determines oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen content in inorganic samples.
UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer
(Agilent Technologies Cary 5000): UV-Vis-NIR is a non-destructive, non-contact optical characterization technique used to measure reflectance, absorbance, and transmittance of liquids and solids.
