Chromatography
Gas chromatography
Gas chromatography is used to separate gas mixtures and volatile substances. Components can be analysed qualitatively and quantitatively.
- Separation of components, determination of concentrations of individual substances, e.g. environmental samples, solvents
- Analysing gas mixtures for purity and impurities
HPLC - High Pressure Liquid Chromatography
Separation, qualitative and quantitative analysis of liquids (low or non-volatile substances e.g. dyes, biomolecules).
Separation of components, qualitative and quantitative determination of ingredients and impurities in liquids, e.g. colourants, environmental samples
X-ray methods
Diffraction under grazing incidence (GI-XRD)
In grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GI-XRD), an X-ray beam is directed onto a sample at a very low incident angle, typically less than one degree, whereby the X-rays only interact with the uppermost few nanometres of the material. This results in a diffraction pattern that is very sensitive to the crystallographic properties of the surface area.
- Phase identification and quantification of polycrystalline materials
- Residual stress measurements in thin layers and surfaces
- GI-XRD is suitable for all polycrystalline materials where the focus is on the surface layers. It is also useful for thin films where scattering from the substrate can potentially mask or dominate the relatively weak scattering from a thin film.
Single crystal diffractometry
A single-crystal diffractometer measures the diffraction angles and intensities of an X-ray beam on crystalline materials, from which their crystal structure can be determined. Low-temperature measurements enable the analysis of sensitive or easily decomposable crystals.
- Structural elucidation of new inorganic and organic compounds
- Validation of theoretical calculations and models
- Verification of crystal quality
- Phase determination
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Hubert Huppertz
Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry
Innrain 80 - 82, 6020 Innsbruck
+43 (512) 507 57000
E-mail Website
- Low temperature single crystal diffractometry (down to -196 °C)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Volker Kahlenberg
Institute of Mineralogy and Petrography
Innrain 52, 6020 Innsbruck
+43 (512) 507 54603
E-mail Website
- In-situ single crystal diffraction
- Crystal structure analyses of inorganic and organic compounds
- Many years of experience with a wide range of industrial samples from the fields of ceramics, binders, building materials, glass, residual materials such as slags and ores.
- Analytical services for industrial partners from Austria and other European countries.
X-ray fluorescence
X-ray fluorescence analysis applies the technique of fluorescence spectroscopy to X-rays. The material sample is excited by X-rays, the released energy is emitted in the form of element-specific fluorescence radiation and measured with radiation detectors. X-ray fluorescence analysis enables the identification and concentration determination of all elements with an atomic number Z = 5 or higher (i.e., all except H (ydrogen), He (lium), Li (thium), and Be (ryllium)).
- Non-destructive elemental analysis of almost any material
- Analysis of alloys, quality control
- Analysis of rocks and ores
- Detection of minor impurities (e.g. heavy metals)
X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD)
X-ray powder diffractometry is used to identify crystalline phases, determine structures and analyse material properties. It is based on the diffraction of X-rays on the regularly arranged atoms in crystal lattices. The samples must be ground into a fine, homogeneous powder.
- Phase identification and quantitative phase analysis
- Analysis of phase changes under other special conditions such as temperature, humidity and applied pressure (non-ambient investigations)
- Analysis of physical properties such as crystallite size, crystallite orientation and residual stress ("microstructure" of polycrystalline materials).
- Quality control in the cement, ceramics and steel industries
- Characterisation of new inorganic materials
- Monitoring of hydration processes
- Analysis of mineral compositions
assoz. Prof. Dr. Gunther Heymann
Department of General and Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry
Innrain 80 - 82, 6020 Innsbruck
+43 (512) 507 57003
E-mail Website
- Measurements at room temperature as well as temperature-dependent up to 1100 °C
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Hubert Huppertz
Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry
Innrain 80 - 82, 6020 Innsbruck
+43 (512) 507 57000
E-mail Website
- High temperature XRPD
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Volker Kahlenberg
Institute of Mineralogy and Petrography
Innrain 52, 6020 Innsbruck
+43 (512) 507 54603
E-mail Website
- Measurements also using mixtures of various inert/reactive gases such as He, CO2, H2, CO.
- Qualitative & quantitative phase analysis of crystalline and amorphous phases.
- Many years of experience with a wide range of industrial samples from the ceramics, binders, building materials, glass, and residual materials sectors, e.g., slag and ores.
- Analytical services for industrial partners from Austria and other European countries.
Spectroscopy methods
ATR-FTIR spectroscopy
In ATR-FT-IR spectroscopy (Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy) , a beam of infrared light is guided so that it is reflected at least once. This reflection creates a wave that propagates into the sample. The penetration depth into the sample is typically between 0.5 and 2 µm. This enables sample analysis without extensive preparation, including the surface examination of opaque substances and the analysis of highly absorbent, particularly organic solutions and solids.
- Surface analysis of polymers and coatings
- Industrial quality controls
- Analysis for additives and contaminants
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Tung Pham
Institute of Textile Chemistry and Textile Physics
Höchsterstraße 73, 6850 Dornbirn
+43 (5572) 28533
E-mail Website
- Analysis of solids at ambient pressure
- Hot stage possible (temperatures: room temperature up to 300 °C)
- Combination with microscopy possible
- Analysis is possible for small sample quantities, provided that resources are available
EDX spectroscopy
Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) is a surface analysis method in which a focused electron beam scans a sample, triggering characteristic X-rays from excited atoms. These X-rays are recorded as a spectrum by a detector. This method enables qualitative and quantitative conclusions to be drawn about the chemical composition and local distribution of elements, for instance at specific points, along a line, or across an area.
- Analysis of residues, impurities or deposits on sample surfaces
- Measurement of the layer thickness of thin coatings, quality control
ESR spectroscopy
Electron spin spectroscopy enables the analysis of substances with unpaired electrons (e.g. paramagnetic complexes, free radicals). Microwave irradiation induces transitions between different spin states, which provide characteristic spectra.
- Analysis of transition metal complexes and their oxidation states
- Detection and characterisation of free radicals in chemical reactions
- Investigation of defects in semiconductor materials
- Structural elucidation of organometallic compounds
- Analysis of biological systems with metal cofactors
Infrared spectroscopy
In IR spectroscopy (infrared spectroscopy), molecules are irradiated with infrared light and are thereby excited into characteristic vibrations. The resulting absorption spectra provide a "molecular fingerprint" that allows conclusions about the chemical structure.
- Structure elucidation, identification of functional groups
- Verification of synthesised compounds, purity control
- Determination of fat, protein and water content
- Identification of harmful substances
Laser spectroscopy
Laser spectroscopy enables the absorption properties of materials to be measured with great sensitivity. Experiments can be carried out over a broad wavelength range, from ultraviolet to mid- and far-infrared. This technique is suitable for analysing solids, liquids and gases.
- Material characterisation
- Trace analysis
- Analysing the properties of atoms, molecules and solids
NMR spectroscopy
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the standard methods for analysing the structure of organic and organometallic molecules and biomolecules in solution. NMR uses the magnetic behaviour of atomic nuclei (for example 1H, 13C, 19F) in a strong magnetic field.
- Structure elucidation of organic and organometallic compounds
- Structural elucidation of biomolecules
- Investigation of the structural dynamics of these compounds
- Identification of reaction products in synthesis
- Observation and characterisation of reaction kinetics
- Characterisation of polymers and their sequences
- Detection of impurities and degradation products
Fluorescence spectroscopy
- Characterisation of quantum dots and luminescent nanomaterials
- Trace analysis of organic compounds
- Development and testing of optical sensors
- Analysing environmental samples for fluorescent contaminants
- Quality control of optical materials and displays
In fluorescence spectroscopy, the sample is excited with UV/Vis light and the emitted radiation is detected. The method offers exceptionally low detection limits.
Raman spectroscopy
In Raman spectroscopy, the material to be examined is irradiated with monochromatic light, usually from a laser. The frequency differences to the irradiated light correspond to the energies for rotational, vibrational, or spin-flip processes characteristic of the material. Similar to infrared spectroscopy, conclusions about the substance under investigation can be drawn from the spectrum obtained.
- Non-destructive quality control (crystal structures, molecular structures, degree of cross-linking, degradation processes)
- Identification of unknown substances
UV-VIS (NIR) spectroscopy
UV-Vis (NIR) spectrophotometers measure the absorption, transmission and reflection properties of solutions or solids (transparent samples or thin films/layers). This involves working with light in the ultraviolet (100 - 380 nm), visible (380 - 780 nm) and near-infrared range (780 - 3000 nm). A wide range of material parameters can be calculated from this data using models, which can be used for quality control, among other things.
- Purity testing
- Identification and quantification
- Layer thickness determination of thin (0.1 µm - several µm) or transparent layers
- Determination of colour tones/clouding/UV resistance of filters, colour layers, films, mirrors, etc.
- Determination of the amount of light absorbed
- Relative absorption of two signals
- Determination of the reaction kinetics
X-ray fluorescence
In X-ray fluorescence analysis, the technique of fluorescence spectroscopy is applied to X-rays. The sample is excited by X-rays, the energy released is emitted in the form of element-specific fluorescence radiation and measured using radiation detectors. X-ray fluorescence analysis makes it possible to identify and determine the concentration of all elements from atomic number Z = 5 (i.e. all except: H(ydrogen), He(lium), Li(thium) and Be(ryllium)).
- X-ray fluorescence enables the non-destructive elemental analysis of almost any material.
- Analysing alloys, quality control
- Analysis of rocks and ores
- Detection of minor impurities (e.g. heavy metals)
Additonal methods
Electroanalysis
Mass spectrometry in combination with photodissociation
Microscopy
Particle sizes and zeta potential
Rheology
Textile force and elongation measurement
Thermal analyses
Other FunMat services
Sample preparation
Climate chamber
Mills
Production and synthesis
Additive manufacturing of metals
High temperature synthesis
Mechanochemistry