General Information

 

CENTC

This microanalysis system was purchased through a supplemental research grant under the auspices of the Center for Enabling New Technologies Through Catalysis (NSF CHE-0650456), a National Science Foundation Phase II Center for Chemical Innovation.  During the center’s existence researchers from across North America were brought together to collaboratively address the economic, environmental and national security needs for more efficient, inexpensive and environmentally friendly methods of producing chemicals and fuels from a variety of feedstocks.  Through catalysis, CENTC researchers aimed to lower the energy costs to transforming chemicals, to use inexpensive, abundant and nontoxic starting materials, and generate less waste.

 

Equipment

Bullet5         Microanalyses are determined on a PerkinElmer 2400 Series II Analyzer.

Bullet5         Sample weights are measured on a PerkinElmer Model AD6000 Autobalance.

Bullet5         Air-sensitive materials are prepared in a dedicated VAC Atmospheres glovebox loaded with Ar (argon) gas, and then crimp-sealed in special tin capsules with a designated die apparatus.

Bullet5         Liquids and volatile solids are also crimp-sealed in special tin capsules with a designated die apparatus.

 

Experiments

Bullet5         Samples are analyzed as is (drying services are not available) for carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen only.

Bullet5         The analyzer is calibrated at the beginning of a session.  A calibration standard of known composition is used to determine the correct signal/μg ratio per element.

Bullet5         The calibration is verified prior to and after all sample runs, and at regular intervals during a long series.

Bullet5         Helium carrier gas (99.998 %) is employed:  accuracy is 0.3 % and precision is 0.2 % per element.

Bullet5         All experiments are performed by a single operator, who alone is authorized to use the equipment.

 

Samples

Bullet5         A minimum of 2.0 mg of loose solid or liquid is requested for each determination, but at least twice that amount is recommended.  Extra sample is requested for fluffy and/or staticky solids and for highly viscous liquid materials.

Bullet5         Air-sensitive samples must be in vessels that will withstand the expansion forces exerted under external vacuum (~0.01 Torr).  Screw cap vials and well-sealed ampules work well; ampules sealed under vacuum are not recommended because of the potential for glass contamination upon opening.

Bullet5         Samples sent from outside the university are not returned unless prior arrangements are made.

Bullet5         Each sample must have a unique sample name, which will appear on the report.

Bullet5         Please only ship samples via FedEx or UPS to the address on the submission form.

 

Reports

Bullet5         The submitter receives via email a standard analysis report (PDF).

Bullet5         Reports are normally emailed late Friday afternoon or evening.

 

Prices per Determination

(Effective 01/01/2019)

 

Bullet5         University of Rochester research projects:  $25.

Bullet5         External research groups from non-profit organizations [BY INVITATION ONLY]:  $25 + $15 maintenance fee ($40 total).

PLEASE NOTE:  We cannot accept credit cards.  We accept purchase orders (prepared in advance), checks, and money orders.  Please make checks and money orders out to “Chemistry Dept., University of Rochester”.

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