Chemical analyses include IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, chromatography and HPCCC, 2D-GC-MS and Micro-GC.
Services for chemical analyses can be carried out in collaboration, by consultation or merely on service basis. A research partner is usually a research group or an institute, or an industrial partner.
Chemical analyses
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a vibrational spectroscopy technique which is used to recognize chemical compounds, especially polar organic compounds. Additionally, FTIR microscopy allows imaging of two-dimensional areas from sample surface to resolve where compounds are and how they are distributed.
In FTIR, infrared radiation excites chemical bonds to higher energy levels. The excitation process absorbs radiation and absorbed wavelengths, 'peaks', in the spectrum reveal which chemical bonds are present. Because every compound has a unique infrared spectrum, FTIR is an excellent method to recognize unknown pure organic compounds. Moreover, FTIR is suitable for quantification of compounds within certain limitations.
Imaging FTIR Agilent Cary 670 spectrometer and 620 microscope
The instrument is suitable for imaging of biological thin sections, materials research and analysis of microplastics.
- Spectrometer: Mid-IR and Near-IR sources, Near-IR probe, DTGS detector, spectral range 18 000 – 350 cm-1
- Air-bearing interferometer – allows very fast measurements
- Microscope: Mid-IR, MCT detector for point measurements, spectral range 12 000 – 450 cm-1, and 128 x 128 pixel FPA detector for imaging in the range of 3850 – 750 cm-1
- FPA measures 16 384 spectra at once – fast imaging!
- Objectives: 4x for visual, 15x / 0.62 NA for visual and IR measurements
- Slide-on micro ATR – quick ATR measurements with microscope
- Pixel resolution 5.5 x 5.5 μm, in high magnification mode 1.1 x 1.1 μm with the 15x objective
FTIR spectroscopy Thermo Nicolet iS50
- Mid-IR: spectral range 4000 – 400 cm-1
- DLaTGS and MCT detectors
- Diamond ATR for measurements of solids, powders and liquids
- Transmission measurement mode for films, liquids, gases, and solids in KBr
- Multi-sampler for automatic measurement of up to 96 samples
- Grazing angle
- Inclusive spectral libraries for recognition of unknown substances
Raman spectroscopy detects Raman scattering. Raman scattering happens after laser light excites chemical bonds, and the excitation returns to the ground state. The difference between wavelength of laser and scattering is called Raman shift. Raman shifts form Raman spectra, which is unique for each compound. Both (non-polar) organic and inorganic compounds can be studied with Raman spectroscopy. Imaging Raman spectroscopy is suitable for detecting locations or distributions of compounds in the sample surface, or depth cross-section.
Dispersive Raman-microscope Thermo DXR2xi
Suitable for various solid and liquid organic, inorganic and biological samples.
- Two lasers: 532 and 785 nm
- Laser polarization
- Objectives 10x, 20x, 50x, 100x, and 60x water immersion
- EMCCD detector
- Live spectrum: easy and quick setting of measurement parameters
- Fast Raman imaging, maximum resolution approximately 1 μm
- Confocal depth profiling for transparent samples
- Data analysis possible with OMNIC or MATLAB
- Inclusive Raman spectral libraries for recognition of unknown substances
UV-VIS spectrofotometer Perkin Elmer Lambda 25
Suitable for qualitative and quantitative analysis of colorful compounds, which contain conjugated double bonds or transition metals.
- Measures absorption of ultraviolet and visible light radiation
- Sample has to be in solution or gaseous form
HPCCC (High Performance Counter Current Chromatography)
Counter current chromatography is a mode of liquid chromatography. There are two insoluble liquids without a solid column. One liquid serves as stationary phase and the other as mobile phase. Stationary phase is kept immobile with centrifugal force.
2D-GC-MS (2-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry)
2D-GC-MS is used for identifying volatile organic compounds from various samples. Compared to basic GC-MS systems, selectivity and sensitivity are improved due to second column and Zoex thermal modulator. AOC-5000 sampling robot and Optic-4 injector allow versatile sampling options for gas, liquid and solid samples.
Micro-GC (Micro Gas Chromatography)
Micro-GC is suitable for analysis of basic gases (H, N, O, hydrogen sulfide, CO2 and CO, He, and Ne) from air and process gases. Also hydrocarbons (C1-C7) can be analysed.
