Instruments lab
To learn more about the lab instruments and available analytical services, you are welcome to contact Dr. Alexander Gordin (gordina@tauex.tau.ac.il).
Chromatography
Mass spectroscopy, GC-MS
A common type of chromatography used in analytical chemistry for the separation and analysis of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Typical uses of GC-MS include separation of components of a mixture and identification and quantification of particular substances. GC-MS enables the detection, with additional identification and structural information via fragment masses, library identification, and isotope abundance analyses for elemental formulas.
Gas Chromatography (GC- FID/ECD)
Integrated with great separation capability of GC, FID provides a fast response time and high sensitivity for analytes containing hydrocarbon-based residues. ECD is dedicated for highly sensitive detection of electronegative compounds such as halogens, nitro groups, etc. Specifically, ECD is designed for the detection of explosives, poly chlorinated pesticides, fire retardant and other environmentally and biologically active materials.
Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Analytical High-Performance Liquid Chromatography is used for the separation, identification and quantification of a wide range of mixture compounds. The variety of available columns allows a comprehensive range of separations and applications. Our HPLC is equipped with a Diode Array detector for flexibly UV-VIS absorption detection.
Analytical Ion Chromatograph
Analytical IC is a compact and flexible ion chromatography system that covers a wide range of applications. The instrument equipped with a conductivity detector and sensitivity can be increased chemical suppression. Dependent on the column used either anions or cations can be analyzed.
Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) / Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
SEC/GPC is an essential analytical technique for the characterization of macromolecules. It provides deep insights into sample’s absolute molecular weight, composition, size and structure. A series of three different detectors deliver critical information about the sample: Light scattering measures absolute molecular weight, independent of column retention volume or standards,
Differential viscometry measures the intrinsic viscosity of a sample to determine size and structure and Refractive Index and UV-PDA detection measure the sample’s concentration and composition.
Elemental analysis
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
ICP-MS uses an inductively coupled plasma to ionize the sample. It atomizes the sample and creates atomic and small polyatomic ions, which are then detected single quadrupole mass spectrometer. It is used to detect metals and several non-metals in liquid samples at very low concentrations. It can detect different isotopes of the same element, which makes it a versatile tool in Isotopic labelling. Compared to atomic absorption spectroscopy, ICP-MS has greater speed, precision, and sensitivity.
Microwave digestion system
Microwave digestion system used for acid digestion of samples prior to elemental analysis. The instrument is designed to withstand up to 300C and 100Bar pressure. Up to 15 samples can be digested simultaneously.
Flame Atomic Emission/Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS/AES)
Analytical technique that measures the concentrations of elements (mainly metals). Atomic absorption detection limits are in the low ppm and even sub-ppm range. The systems also include flame atomic emission capability.
Elemental Organic Analyzer
Determination of the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur content in organic matrices is an important parameter required in manifold applications. The analysis method for measuring these four elements is high temperature combustion in an oxygenated atmosphere followed by detection of N2, CO2, H2O and SO2. The Unicube is designed for simultaneous carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur analysis in solid and liquid samples, ranging from 0.1 mg chemical substance to 15 mg of liquid fuel to 1 g of inhomogeneous soil.
Particle Size Analysis
Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)
NTA provides an easy-to-use, reproducible platform for nanoparticle characterization. The NS300 allows rapid analysis of the size distribution and concentration of all types of nanoparticles from 0.01 - 1 µm* in diameter, depending on the instrument configuration and sample type. With the ability to be supplied with interchangeable laser modules and the introduction of a motorized filter wheel means different fluorescent labels can be analyzed.
Particle Size Analyzer (PSA)
PSA based on static light scattering or laser diffraction (LD) is a popular and widely used instrumentation for measuring particles from hundreds of nanometres to several millimetres. In LD PSAs, a laser beam is used to irradiate a dilute suspension of particles. The light scattered by the particles in the forward direction is focused by a lens onto a large array of concentric photodetector rings. The smaller the particle is, the larger the scattering angle of the laser beam is. Thus, by measuring the angle-dependent scattered intensity, one can infer the particle size distribution using Fraunhofer or Mie scattering models. In the latter case, prior knowledge of the refractive index of the particle being measured as well as the dispersant is required.
Microscopy
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Phenom XL G2 (with BSD, SED and EDS) system with default BSE detector allows for a sample size of up to 100x100x40mm. The system has a scan area of 50x50mm and includes a high precision motorized stage. The optical camera automatically creates a high resolution image for easy sample navigation. Ultra thin window EDS detector allows detection of elements B to Cf. Optical magnification range: 9-16x; SEM magnification range: 160-200,000x. Acceleration voltages adjustable range from 4.8kV to 20.5kV, with presets at 5kV, 10kV and 15kV. The instrument includes 100x100mm scan area option.
Optical Microscope
The BX53M with up to X100 mgnification simplifies complex microscopy tasks through its well-designed and easy-to-use controls. Users can get the most out of the microscope without the need for extensive training. The easy, comfortable operation of the BX53M also improves reproducibility by minimizing human error.
Fluids Characterization
Rheometer
Rheometer is a laboratory device used to measure the way in which a liquid, suspension or slurry flows in response to applied forces. It is used for those fluids which cannot be defined by a single value of viscosity and therefore require more parameters to be set and measured than is the case for a viscometer.
Viscometer
Rotational viscometers use the idea that the torque required to turn an object in a fluid is a function of the viscosity of that fluid. They measure the torque required to rotate a disk or bob in a fluid at a known speed.
Spectrometry
UV-VIS Spectrophotometer
Spectrophotometer has a wavelength range of 190–1100 nm that can be scanned in under three seconds. A spectrophotometer can be fitted with long pathlength cuvettes and solid sample transmission or reflectance accessories, and is ideal for remote UV-Vis absorbance analysis when fitted with fiber optic probes. Fast reactions can be recorded with 80 data points per second.
Physical Properties
Contact Angle Measurements
The optical analysis of drops that hang from a dosing needle or are placed on a solid surface facilitates the determination of different surface and interfacial parameters. The contact angle that a liquid drop establishes on a solid surface characterizes the solid’s wetting behavior with said liquid.
Density Meter
Based on the oscillating U-tube principle. The tube, usually a U-shaped glass tube, is excited and starts to oscillate at a certain frequency depending on the filled-in sample. Through determination of the corresponding frequency, the density of the sample can be calculated.
Refractometer
Suitable to measure the Refractive Index Scale and the BRIX scale for liquid and solid samples.