Facilities

Electrochemical characterisation

PotentiostatsFor electrochemical characterisation, we have two potentiostats. Technical details:

  • Biologic SP-240 chassis & calibration board
  • Potentiostat board with EIS (10 Hz - 7 MHz)
  • Standard cell cable with electrometer
  • Standard analytical cell kit
  • EC-Lab software

  • Biologic VSP3e multichannel potentiostat (max 8 channels)
  • 2 x Potentiostat/galvanostat board with EIS option e type for VSP3e (including 1.5 m cell cable)
  • 2 x Potentiostat/galvanostat board without EIS e type for VSP3e (including 1.5 m cell cable)
  • FlexP 0060 booster

Fluid processing

DispenserFor accurate and repeatable dispensing of various types of fluids and adhesives, we have a robotic dispensing system. Technical details:

  • TSR2301 Robot Dispenser System
  • Number of controllable axes: 3
  • Working area (x, y, z): 300 mm x 300 mm x 100 mm
  • Repeatability accuracy: 0.02 mm
  • Resolution: 0.01 mm
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 418 x 513 x 521 mm

Inert dry processing

GloveboxFor assembly and characterisation of multifunctional materials, we have a glovebox which permits assembly of materials under an inert (argon) and moisture-free atmosphere. Technical details:

  • MBraun Labmaster Pro sp/dp
  • MOD Box with MB20/MB200 G Gas Purifier
  • Touchpanel TP700

For moisture-free packaging and storage of materials, we have a Buffalo CD969 Light Duty Chamber Vacuum Pack Machine, a dessicator and a laminator.

Physical processing

We have several facilities for mixing, stirring, weighing, cutting and cleaning. Technical details:

  • Fume hood
  • Planetary centrifugal mixer: Thinky ARM-310
  • Magnetic stirrer: Two IKA C-Mag HS Digital Stirring Hot Plates
  • Analytical balances: Sartorius Entris ENTRIS224i-1S (one inside and one outside glovebox)
  • Balance: Ohaus Pioneer PA4202C
  • Ultrasonic cleaning bath: VWR USC200T
  • Guillotine: Fellowes A3, 460 mm cutting length

Thermal processing

FurnaceWe have a furnace to pyrolise materials under an inert atmosphere. Technical details: 

  • Lenton (ECF 12/45) furnace
  • 42 litre capacity
  • maximum temperature of 1200 °C
  • inert (nitrogen) atmosphere.

For thermal processing, sealing and drying, we have several (vacuum) ovens and hot plates along with vacuum pumps. Technical details:

  • Vacuum ovens: Memmert VO400 with inert gas inlet and Fistreem VAC1600
  • Oven: Memmert UN55plus
  • Hot plates: Vecstar 61 cm x 30.5 cm with external temperature controller
  • Heat press: Sfeomi 38 cm x 30 cm
  • Heat sealer: FlowerW FR900
  • Vacuum pumps: Edwards RV12, Gardner Denver 2581C-50, Welch CRVpro 6, Gast DOA-P504-BN
  • Refrigerator: Liebhrr LKUEXV1610 141 L 3 TO + 8C
  • Cryogenic storage vessels

Contact: Dr Ruth Brooker

We also have access to facilities for composites manufacturing, testing and characterisation.