ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY (AFM)

Description

• Instrument : Innova SPM Atomic Force Microscope
  
• Both contact and tapping modes are available.
  
• Scanner —100 μm
  

Applications

Testing capabilities:

• surface morphology


• particle size


• roughness of the samples and 3D and 2D images

Sample Specification

• Thin Films : Thickness up to 3 mm, Diameter 1 cm


• Metals : Thickness up to 3 mm, Diameter 1 cm


• If the sample in powder form spread it thinly on a microscope slide using a drop of acetone (to be done by the user).


• Tooth : Thickness and diameter below 1 cm

Limitations

• Direct liquid samples and powder samples cannot be tested

ION CHROMATOGRAPHIC SYSTEM (IC)

Description

• Instrument : Dionex ICS-1100 Ion Chromatographic System with degas (Isocratic)
  
• Maximum Operating Pressure: 35MPa (5000psi)
  
• Flow Rate Range: 0.05-5.0 mL/min in 0.01 increments
  
• Flow Precision: <0.2%
  
• Flow Accuracy: <1.0% from 0.4 to 2.0mL/min at 1000-3000psi
  
• Resolution of conductivity detector: 0.1 nS
  
• Sample holders : 50 polyvials of 5mL size
  
• Air conditioned (21 to 24 degree C) ; Relative humidity is less than 60 % .
• Nitrogen with 99.99% purity, regulator (0-1 bar control).

Applications

Testing capabilities:

• Major cations like Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Ammonium can be identified and quantified.


• Major anions like Fluoride, Chloride, Nitrate, Phosphate and Sulphate can be identified and quantified.

Types of samples for analysis:

• Water Sample – Groundwater, Surface water, Rainwater, Packaged drinking water.

Sample Specification

• Water samples need to be filtered through a filter of pore size 0.20µm


• Conductivity of the water sample should be within 120µS.


• Conductivity should be lowered by dilution if the sample conductivity exceeds 120µS.

Limitations

• Waste water and chemically treated water/solution cannot be tested

X-RAY DIFFRACTROMETER (XRD)

Description

• Instrument : Rigaku Miniflex 600 (5th gen )


• X-ray generation – up to 40 kV & current(15 mA)
  
• Temperature range - near room temperature measurement with an up gradation of high temperature measurement
  
• Samples – Both bulk and thin films sample measurement.
  
• Filters – Nickel filter.
  
• Wide angle measurement (50-130 ) 2 theta value.
  

Applications

Testing capabilities:

• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of polycrystalline materials

Phase identification and quantification

• Percent (%) crystallinity


• Crystallite size and strain


• Lattice parameter calculation

Sample Specification

Types of samples for analysis:

• Powder: 0.5 grams


• Thin Films: Thickness 2mm, diameter 2 cm.


• Metals: Thickness 2mm, diameter 2 cm.

Limitations

• Liquid samples cannot be tested

NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY (NMR)

Description

• Make: Bruker Ascend 400 MHz
  

Testing capabilities:

• 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 31P NMR, DEPT & HSQC-GP.

Applications

• Organic samples

Sample Specification

• Solid / liquid samples should be soluble in DMSO/CDCl3/D2O (mainly organic compounds)

Quantity of Sample required

• Carbon NMR – 10 - 15mg


• Proton NMR - 5mg

Limitations

• Solid samples such as Metals cannot be tested

SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE (SEM)

Description

• Instrument : EVO MA18 with Oxford EDS(X-act)


• Magnification: Minimum 1x and maximum 1,00,000x


• EDS : Liquid nitrogen free


• Sample holders :9 sample holders


• Depth of focus: At a magnification of 1000x, aperture size of 100 microns and working distance of 10 mm should be 40 microns


• Air conditioned (21 to 24 degree C) ; Relative humidity is less than 60 %.


• Nitrogen with 99.99% purity, regulator (0-3 bar control)  

Applications

Testing capabilities:

• Topographic imaging of materials .


• Measurement of thickness of the samples


• Identification of elements from carbon upwards using energy dispersive X-ray analysis


• Grain size measurement 

Types of samples for analysis:

• Non-Conductive samples
  
  
  
  • Biological Samples (like plant material, Bacteria, Tooth, wood etc.,)
  
  
  • Insulating Samples (like Glass, Ceramic, Plastic etc.)
  
  
  • Polymer/Membranes
  
  
  • Thin Film Samples
    
  
  
• Semi-Conductive samples
  • Silicone
    
  
  
• Conductive samples
  
  
  
  • Metals, alloys
  
  

Sample Specification

• Size : Diameter /height /thickness : 5- 6 mm


• Solid samples

Limitations

• Direct Powder sample cannot be analysed,Samples should be in pellet form.

UV-VIS-NIR-SPECTROPHOTOMETER

Description

• Instrument - Shimadzu UV-3600 UV-VIS-NIR Spectrophotometer
  
• Wavelength range: 200 nm-3600nm.
  
• Temperature range: near room temperature.
  
• Desired resolution: less than 0.2nm.
  
• Mode of operation: Reflection, transmission, absorption
  

User information

Materials: liquid samples [transmission, absorption]
solid samples [reflection, transmission and absorption]

Applications

Testing capabilities:

Optical reflectance, transmittance, absorption of solution, thin films and thick films.

Sample Specification

• For transmmision and absorption:
  Substrate Min Height 2.5cm,Min Breadth 1cm


• For reflectance : Substrate Min Height 2.5cm,Min Breadth 2.5cm


• Liquid Samples: 10ml - 15ml.

NOTE:No reflection measurnment for liquid samples. user should bring their reference meterials.

Limitations

• Direct powder samples cannot be measured. Metal substrates can be used only for reflectance measurnment.

NIKON OPTICAL MICROSCOPE LV 100

Description

Resolution: Up to 500nm

Modes of operation:
o Transmission mode
o Reflection mode (for opaque samples)

Applications

All material which are in the thin film form on planar substrate.

o Micron size pore can be analysed.
o Biological samples like proteins, bacteria can be clearly seen

Sample Specification

• Sample should be on planar solid surface (Glass).


• Sample should be ‘dry’

Limitations

• Flexible, liquid and power samples less than 500nm cannot be examined.

FTIR- Details

Description

• Instrument : Bruker Alpha II
  
• Mode: Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR)
  
• Spectral range: 6000 cm-1 to 500 cm-1
  
• Spectral resolution: 4 cm-1
  

Analysis types

• FTIR ATR mode provides infrared spectrum of absorption or transmittance of a solid and liquid materials to identify the functional groups.

Sample types/specifications for analysis

• Any form solid and liquid

Quantity of sample/Sample dimensions

• Powder: 5 milli grams
  
• Smooth Membrane: Thickness ~100 µm, diameter 1 cm
  
• Liquid: 100 µL
  

Samples that cannot be tested

• Sample containing acid or base cannot be tested
  

PL with life time measurements

Description

• The Fluorolog-QM™ Series is the latest generation of HORIBA's spectrofluorometers, offering advanced features for luminescence research
  
• All-Reflective Optics: Optimizes performance across all wavelengths, enhancing sensitivity and stray light rejection
  
• High Sensitivity: Delivers a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 35,000:1, significantly higher than previous models, enabling the detection of weak signals
  
• Extended Wavelength Range: Capable of deep UV excitation down to 180 nm and NIR detection up to 5,500 nm, making it suitable for a variety of applications
  
• Modular Configuration: Supports up to four light sources and six detectors simultaneously, allowing for extensive customization based on research needs
  
• Advanced Software: New software facilitates both steady-state and lifetime measurements, enhancing experimental capabilities
  
• Stray Light Rejection: Features large, coma-corrected monochromators with a stray light rejection of 1x10^-5, with options for double monochromators achieving even lower stray light levels
  
• Dynamic Range: Utilizes PMT detectors with the widest dynamic range, accommodating various detection modes including photon counting and analog detection
  
• Ease of Use: The open architecture design allows for easy upgrades and integration of additional components as research requirements evolve
  
• These features make the Fluorolog-QM™ Series an industry leader in sensitivity, versatility, and performance for a wide range of scientific applications, from materials science to life sciences.
  

Analysis types

• Steady-State Fluorescence: This includes the measurement of fluorescence emission intensity under continuous excitation, allowing for the determination of fluorescence spectra and quantum yields


• Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC): This technique enables the measurement of fluorescence lifetimes, providing insights into the dynamics of excited states in various materials.


• Excitation and Emission Spectra: The Fluorolog-QM can generate detailed excitation and emission spectra, corrected for light source intensity variations, enhancing the accuracy of spectral data.


• Photoluminescence Quantum Yield (PLQY): The system supports PLQY measurements, essential for characterizing the efficiency of luminescent materials


• NIR Detection: With specialized detectors, the instrument can analyze samples in the near-infrared range, expanding its application scope to include biological and material sciences.

Sample types/specifications for analysis

• Liquid Samples: The instrument can accommodate standard cuvettes for liquid samples, allowing for steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements
  
• Solid Samples: The system supports various holders for solid samples, enabling the analysis of powders, films, and other solid-state materials.
  
• Biological Samples: cell suspensions and protein solutions, which may exhibit high levels of scattering
  
• Highly Scattering Samples: samples that scatter light significantly, such as suspensions or turbid solutions
  
• NIR Samples: With specialized detectors, the instrument can analyze samples in the near-infrared range, expanding its application to include biological and material sciences.
  
• Integrating Spheres: Optional accessories like integrating spheres can be used for diffuse reflectance and transmittance measurements
  

Quantity of sample/Sample dimensions

• Typically, 5 mL for liquid samples
  

Samples that cannot be tested

• Radioactive samples. All biological samples shall be entertained with a biosafety clearance only.

Zetasizer

Description

• Make: Malvern_Zetasizer Lab Pro, (Blue label)
  
• Detector: Avalanche Photodiode
  
• Laser safety: 4 mW Max
  
• Optical Filter wheel (Fluorescence/DDLC)
  
• Parameters measured: Size, Zeta potential, Molecular Mass, 2nd virial coefficient, A2
  
• Universal 'dip' cell kit: Aqueous and non-aqueous dispersants and is designed to be cleaned and reused.
  

Particle size and molecular size

• Size Measurement Principle: Non-Invasive Back Scatter (NIBS) Dynamic Light Scattering


• Measurement angle: 173°, 13°

Zeta Potential

• Measurement principle: Mixed-Mode Measurement phase analysis light scattering (M3-PALS)
  

Static Light Scattering (molecular weight)

• Measurement Principle: Static Light Scattering with Debye Plot


• Molecular weight range: 980 Da – 20 MDa


• Accuracy: +/- 10% typical

Analysis types

• Blue Label for sample investigation such as metallic colloids, metal oxides and pigments

Sample types/specifications for analysis

Particle size and molecular size

• Measurement range: 0.3 nm – 10 µm
  
• Minimum sample volume: 12 µL
  

Zeta Potential

• Size range: 3.8 nm – 100 µm
  

Quantity of sample/Sample dimensions

• Viscosity and Refractive index of the sample required for better results
  
• Buffer or any other solvents (if any) should be provided along with the samples.
  

Particle size and molecular size

• Minimum sample concentration: Blue Label: 0.2 mg/mL 15 kDa Protein
  
• Maximum sample concentration: 40% w/v (sample dependent)
  

DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY (DSC)

Description

• Model: PerkinElmer DSC 6000
  
• Software: Pyris
  

Testing capabilities:

• Temperature range: -80 °C to 450 °C


• Controlled heating / cooling rates: 0.1 to 100 °C/min.
  

Sample specifications

• solid / liquid (1-10 mg)
  

Atmosphere

• Nitrogen / Air
  

Applications

• Glass transition temperature (Tg)
  
• Heats of cure
  
• Purities of drugs
  
• Protein denaturation
  
• Melting / crystallization temperature
  
• Heats of melting and crystallization
  
• Heat capacities
  
• Completeness of cure
  
• Polymorphism
  
• Oxidative Stability
  

Limitations

• Polymer composites
  
• Explosives / High energetic materials
  
• Sublimated samples
  
• Radioactive materials
  

SIMULTANEOUS THERMAL ANALYSER (STA)

Description

• Model: PerkinElmer STA 6000 (TGA & DTA) with auto sampler
  
• Software: Pyris
  

Testing capabilities:

• Temperature range: 15 °C to 1000 °C


• Controlled heating rate: 0.01 to 500 °C/min.
  

Sample specifications

• solid (1-10 mg)
  

Atmosphere

• Nitrogen / Argon / Air
  

Applications

• Decomposition temperatures
  
• Oxidative stabilities
  
• Flammability studies
  
• Engine oil volatility measurements (TGA Noack test)
  
• Compositional analysis – quantitative content analysis
  
• Measurement of volatiles (e.g. water, oil)
  
• Catalyst and coking studies
  
• Thermal stabilities
  
• Filler content
  

Limitations

• Explosives / High energetic materials
  
• Radioactive materials
  

GC - MS

Description

• Agilent 8890 GC with 7000E Triple Quadrupole MS/MS system with FID, TCD, MARKES TD-100XR Multi-tube thermal desorber and PAL3 Series Robotic Autosampler unit with SPME sample preparation platform for high-throughput automated analysis
  

Analysis types: :

• SCAN and Single ion monitoring (SIM) modes analysis

Sample types/specifications for analysis:

• Liquid, Headspace gas, Flavour samples, Gas samples (Preconcentred in sorbent tube)
  

Quantity of sample/Sample dimensions

• At least 300 microliter for liquid injection
  

Samples that cannot be tested:

• Solid samples for direct injection
  

Metrohm Autolab Glavanostat/Potentiostat

Description

• ECAT Complete Package with different modules and accessories such as PGSTAT302N with FRA32M module, Multichannel PGSTAT module, RDE electrode, GC disk, and Pt ring electrode for rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE). In addition, a 10 A booster for high-performance electrochemical analysis.
  
• Weblink: Metrohm ECAT Complete Package
  

Potential applications and target research areas:

• Diverse types of electrochemistry experiments, energy storage materials (battery and supercapacitors), charge-discharge analysis, electrolyzers, hydrogen and/or oxygen production via water splitting, fuel cells, stability test and long-term electrochemical performance via chronoamperometry, and impedance spectroscopy.
  

Measurement types and charges:

• Shared in a separate file.
  

Sample types/specifications for analysis:

• Experiments with very high current densities and at extreme negative or positive potentials (with respect to RHE) are not conducted.
  
• Users are suggested to have an idea on the sample properties such as background conductivity of the substrates employed to make the sample.
  

Quantity of sample/Sample dimensions

• For powder sample, it is desirable to have at least 50 to 100 mg.
  
• For typical cyclic voltammetry measurements, it is desirable to have thin films coated on a conducting substrate (metal or conducting substrates like ITO/FTO) of at least 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm.
  
• For powder-based samples, it is possible to characterize directly using RRDE or by using the films made by users.
  

Samples that cannot be tested:

• Thin films that are not deposited on a conducting substrate.
  
• If powder samples are provided, it is expected that they nicely disperse/dissolve (not suspension) in the given electrolyte configuration.
  
• Any experiment that requires a very specific and custom-designed electrolyte configuration, apart from the standard basic and acidic electrolyte.
  
• It is the responsibility of the user to ensure the electrodes deposited remain stable during operation in a given electrolyte and the applied potential window.
  

High-Resolution X-ray Diffractometer

Description of the Equipment

• Instrument: Rigaku SmartLab
  
• X-Ray Generation: 9 kW, Rotating Anode
  
• Analysis Types:
  
• Powder: Phase identification, Quantification, Crystallite size and distortion, Precise lattice parameter determination, Percent crystallinity, Indexing, Structural determination, Precise crystalline structure determination
  
• Residual Stress Analysis
  
• Small Angle Scattering (SAXS): Grain size distribution, Pore size distribution
  
• Thin Film Texture: Pole figure, Stereographic projection, ODF calculation, Reverse pole figure
  
• Advanced Thin Film Analysis: High-resolution rocking curve, Out-of-plane measurement optical configuration, Reciprocal lattice map measurement, In-plane diffractometry
  
• GI-XRD: for thin films (Parallel Beam)

Sample Types / Specifications for Analysis:

• Powder
  
• Thin films
  
• Epitaxial thin films
  

Quantity of Sample / Sample Dimensions

• Powder: Few milligrams (typically 5–20 mg)
  
• Bulk: Sample thickness ≤ 5 mm, with smooth surface, rectangle/square shape not exceeding a few cm² in area
  
• Thin Films: Up to 4-inch diameter wafer
  

Samples that Cannot Be Tested:

• Liquids
  

X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY (XPS)

Description

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) works based on the photoelectric effect, wherein samples are irradiated with high-energy X-rays (Al Kα or Mg Kα) and the kinetic energy of the ejected electrons is evaluated under ultra-high vacuum conditions (< 5 x 10⁻⁹). XPS can detect various elements except Hydrogen (H) and Helium (He). It can be used to estimate the concentration of elements present at the surface level (top 5 nm). Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) is used to evaluate the work function (ɸ) of a material.

• Instrument Model: Thermofisher K-Alpha
  
• Analyser: 180° double focusing hemispherical analyser with 128-channel detector
  
• X-ray Source: Al Kα micro-focused monochromator with variable spot size (50–400 μm adjustable in 5 μm steps)
  
• Charge Compensation: Enabled using Dual-beam source
  
• EX06 Ion Gun: Energy range 200 eV to 2 keV
  
• Options: Tilt module for ARXPS (Angle Resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy), Sample bias module for work function, and Vacuum transfer module
  

Analysis Types

• Elemental analysis: Survey scan to identify elements along with selected elemental full scans.
  
• Depth profiling: Removal of few nanometre-thick layers followed by elemental data acquisition in snapshot mode.
  
• Angle-resolved XPS (ARXPS): Data recorded at varying emission angles to detect composition at different depths (ultra-thin films).
  
• Insulator analysis: Dual beam flood source prevents sample charging.
  
• Snapshot acquisitions: Element and its chemical states recorded using line/area and mapping modes.
  

Quantity of Sample / Sample Dimensions

• Powder: Should be provided as pressed pellets (thickness 1–2 mm max, diameter 1–2 cm).
  
• Thin films on substrates/thick films: Can be analysed directly (1 cm × 1 cm, max thickness 1 mm for XPS; 2 cm × 2 cm for UPS).
  
• Dropcasted samples: Same dimensions as thin films; must be dry and adherent to cleaned Si substrates.
  
• All samples must be vacuum-compatible and dry; degassing samples will not be accepted.
  

Samples that Cannot Be Tested

• Compounds containing Sulphur (S), Iodine (I), and Gallium (Ga) – not suitable for vacuum.
  
• Highly magnetic samples – must be submitted as pellets.
  
• Biological samples – degas easily under vacuum and react with incident X-rays.
  

HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY (HPLC)

Description

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is an analytical technique used in the separation, identification, and quantification of analytes. Among various methods, Reversed Phase (RP) is extensively employed for time-effective separation.

• Instrument Model: Waters
  
• Column: Symmetry C-18, 3.5 µm, 4.6 × 75 mm (Reverse phase column)
  
• High-pressure pump: Binary HPLC pump 1525 (Flow rate: 0.1–10 mL/min, Max pressure: 4000 psi)
  
• Sample injector: Autosampler 2707 (Operating temp: 10–40 °C)
  
• Detector: Photodiode Array Detector 2998 (Wavelength range: 200–800 nm)
  

Analysis Types

• Isocratic mode – single elution system.
  
• Gradient mode – binary elution system.
  

Quantity of Sample / Sample Dimensions

• Samples containing chromophore groups (C=O, NH₂) can be analysed.
  
• Samples must be provided in liquid form; preparation to be done by the user.
  
• Samples should be in solution or dispersed state.
  
• Minimum sample quantity: ~5 mL.
  

Samples that Cannot Be Tested

• Samples devoid of chromophore groups cannot be analysed.