The CIF Inorganic Laboratory is located in room 105 of the Science and Engineering Facility (Bldg. #16). The instruments in this laboratory are used to prepare, analyze, identify, and describe a wide variety of solids and solutions. The Inorganic Laboratory analyzes samples ranging from rock, cotton and environmental samples to laboratory created nanoparticles. CIF personnel are available to train students in the safe preparation of samples and operation of the instruments.
X-Ray Diffractometer
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) is a nondestructive, yet powerful tool used to characterize materials which have a defined atomic structure. XRD provides quantitative information on crystal structure, preferred crystal orientation and other structural parameters. The diffraction pattern is essentially a fingerprint of the atomic arrangements of the material. This pattern can then be matched against the International Center for Diffraction Data (ICDD) database to identify the crystalline sample. The laboratory utilizes a Scintag XDS 2000, equipped with a high resolution solid state detector and automated sample changer.
Sample Preparation
The laboratory possesses equipment to prepare most types of samples for XRD analysis, both organic and inorganic materials, ranging from bulk rock to fine dust.
Additionally, the laboratory has equipment to process samples for ICP-MS preparation. A fume hood, heating block, centrifuges and microwave ashing furnace are available for use.
