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, and then crimp-sealed in
special tin capsules with a designated die apparatus.
Liquids
and volatile solids are also crimp-sealed in special tin capsules with a
designated die apparatus.
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
A
minimum of 2.0 mg of loose solid or liquid is requested for each determination,
but at least twice that amount is recommended.
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.
