General Information
CENTC
The Center for Enabling New Technologies
Through Catalysis is a National Science Foundation Phase II Center for
Chemical Innovation. CENTC brings
together researchers from across North America 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 can lower the energy costs to transforming
chemicals, use inexpensive, abundant and nontoxic starting materials and
generate less waste. Through a
supplemental research grant, this Elemental Analysis Facility has been established
for use by CENTC researchers and other selected scientists.
Equipment
Microanalyses
are determined on a PerkinElmer 2400 Series II Analyzer.
Sample
weights are measured on a PerkinElmer Model AD-6 Autobalance.
Air-sensitive
materials are prepared in a dedicated VAC Atmospheres glovebox loaded with Ar
(argon) gas. The samples are
crimp-sealed in special tin capsules with a designated die apparatus.
Liquids
are crimp-sealed in specially designed aluminum capsules.
Experiments
The
analyzer is calibrated daily, and as needed.
A calibration standard of known composition is used to determine the
correct signal/μg ratio per element.
The
standard is run as an actual sample prior
to and after all sample runs, and
at regular intervals during a long series,
in order to verify the calibration.
Helium
carrier gas (99.998 %) is employed:
accuracy is 0.3 % and precision is 0.2 % per element.
All
experiments are performed by a single
operator, who alone is authorized to use the equipment.
Samples
At
least 2.0 mg of loose solid or liquid is requested per determination.
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.
Samples
sent from outside the university are not
returned unless prior arrangements are made.
Each
sample must have a unique sample
name, which will appear on the report.
Reports
The
submitter receives via email a standard analysis report (PDF).
Prices per Determination
University
of Rochester and CENTC research groups: $25.
External
academic research groups [BY INVITATION
ONLY]: $25 + $5
staff support fee ($30 total).
Industrial
research groups [BY INVITATION ONLY]: $50.
