Facilities

NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for structural elucidation of molecules. Our group has exclusive access to a 400 MHz spectrometer. A variable-temperature (VT) controller facilitates the acquisition of data at different temperatures, permitting investigations of reaction intermediates and reaction kinetics.

BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) instruments provide valuable information on the specific surface area of a material. Our lab primarily uses this instrument to determine the average pore size of our custom carbon dioxide adsorbants.

TGA (Thermogravimetric analysis) devices are commonly used to determine the gravimetric (weight) change in a material at variable temperature. Our lab employs this technique to determine stability of out solid adsorbants and the carbon dioxide adsorption capacity of our materials. Our modified set-up allows us to carry out these analyses under variable carbon dioxide concentrations, as low as a few ppm.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) provides valuable information regarding the energetics of a physical or chemical process. Our system is optimized to work under variable atmospheres of carbon dioxide, which assists in determining the heat of sorption.

Gas chromatography enables detailed analyses of complex reaction mixtures. Coupled with mass spectrometers, these machines can be used to monitor reaction progress and give molecular weights of the individual components of a reaction mix.

Rotary evaporation is a standard technique for concentrating aqueous and organic solutions, through vacuum distillation of volatile components. Our lab has 6 rotovaps, enabling high-throughput distillations.

Automated Flash chromatography provides facile and efficient separation of organic matter. Equipped with a UV detector, pump and touch-screen display, these devices provide avenues for rapid and effective purification of reaction mixture components. Our group has two flash chromatographers for normal and reverse phase.

The storage and handling of pyrophoric and water-reactive materials is a challenge in any chemistry environment. Our argon glovebox allows us to safely handle and store a host of oxygen and water-sensitive reagents, making it the workhorse of our lab. It is fitted with two regenerable catalysts for oxygen removal and has programmable provisions/failsafes to tackle unexpected emergencies (leaks, tears, etc).

Infrared spectroscopy is a useful tool in identifying functional groups. Our group has exclusive access to two IR spectrometers.

Our nitrogen glovebox works on a constant flow of nitrogen and it allows us to safely handle less oxygen and water-sensitive reagents. It’s also equipped with a small stir plate and a vacuum pump to perform inert reactions and filtrations.

Our analytical balances allow us to accurately weigh chemicals with a 0.0001g resolution.

The forced air blower-assisted airflow design of our multiple ovens allows for fast glassware drying

Catalysts, sieves and other material’s activation require very high temperatures. The Lindberg furnace provides insulation and uniform heating(up to 2000 ºF), with controlled heat-up rate, quick cool down and safety door-switch.

Our ethylene glycol/water circulators are suitable for cooling or heating applications. Most of our chillers work in a temperature range of -20 to 200 ºC.

The ultrasonic bath serves as a tool for alternative reaction conditions where sonication is used instead of stirring (it also provides heating). Homogenization is achieved through cavitation and ultrasonic waves. These characteristics also make it suitable for glassware cleaning and sample homogenization