Scope of Services

The Microanalysis Laboratory houses a variety of analytical instrumentation. These include elemental analysis techniques such as ICP-OES/ICP-MS, CHN, and ion selective probes for halide analysis. All elemental quantification techniques are staff operated with users submitting samples to the facility for analysis. Additionally, the lab has several student run instruments for thermal analysis (TGA-MS, DSC, and ITC), as well as bulk surface analysis (3Flex), which can be performed by client or staff. 

JASPER (JavaScript Percentage Elemental Results Calculator) – great for calculating for known solvents or other contaminants, created by York University

The UIUC School of Chemical Sciences Elemental Calculator - also a good calculator, capable of using decimal subscript molecular formulas

Sample Login/Account Registration

Elemental Analysis 

The lab uses various instruments for elemental analysis:

1. CHN Analysis - Exeter Analytical CE 440 - Measuring carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in compounds.  (Note:  No aqueous solutions.)
2. ICP Analysis - ICP-MS and ICP-OES - Measuring all metallic elements, sulfur and phosphorus in compounds or solutions.
3. Halide Analysis - Measuring halides (compound or solution) via Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE).  (Solids are combusted via Schöniger oxidation method.)

Submission forms for elemental analysis (CHN, ICP, Halides) can be created at any time via the FBS submission system. For on campus users, once an analysis request has been created, samples should be brought to Noyes Lab, room 47 during business hours (8:30 am - 5:00 pm). Off-campus submissions should be sent to the address below and will be checked in when received, if a submission form has been made. Analysis of samples will only begin when both the samples and a correctly completed sample analysis request have been received.

Client/Student-Run Instrumentation

Isothermal Titration Calorimeter (VP-ITC) – Measuring heat generated or absorbed in liquid samples as a result of mixing two or more reactants.  (Note: Liquid samples only.)

Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC-Diamond) – Measuring the amount of energy (heat) absorbed or released by a sample as it is heated, cooled or held at a constant (isothermal) temperature.  This instrument is best used for studies at temperatures of 400°C and lower.

Surface Analysis – 3Flex analyzer and Smart-Vac degasser.  Measures physisorption (surface area, mesopore/micropore, adsorption, desorption, isotherms), chemisorption (static/dynamic), vapor adsorption or heat of adsorption for solid samples. (Note: Solid samples only.)

Requests for being trained in the client/student-run instruments (ITC, TGA, DSC, 3Flex/SmartVac) should be requested through the ChemFacility Online Manager (ChemFOM).  This will notify the specific trainer that you wish to be trained in that particular instrument.  Reserving time on these instruments is also done via ChemFOM or via specific scheduling with the trainer (3Flex/SmartVac only)

Results and Turnaround

After analysis completion, elemental quantification results will be available in the FBS submission system. Samples are analyzed on a first-in, first-out basis, with instrument maintenance, equipment issues, and staffing affecting turnaround times. Typical turn around times are listed below:

CHN analysis: 2-3 business days.  If 24-hour turnaround is needed, please talk to Elizabeth Eves (bleves@illinois.edu).

ICP analysis: 3-10 business days

Halide analysis:  3-5 business days

These times will be longer if there are instrumental problems, maintenance or if the staff is reduced due to sickness, vacation or meetings.

Contact and Hours

47 Noyes Laboratory
MC-712 Box 36-1
505 South Mathews Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801

scs-microlab@illinois.edu  
Tel: (217) 244-0496
Hours:  8:30 am - 5:00 pm (Monday-Friday)