Chemistry-Lab
The chemistry lab has all the facilities for the synthesis and the characterization of colloidal suspensions, micelles, and supramolecular structures generated in aqueous suspension. The main task of chemistry lab is to give support for the users during their beam time in HZB. This includes not only supporting the user with full-equipped chemistry lab for sample preparation, but also giving them professional guide for synthesis of different colloidal particles (from organic to inorganic particles).
All together we run two synthesis labs (L130, L131), one sample purification lab (LS), one sample preparation lab outside Neutron Halle (V108) and one user lab in Neutron Halle (UYH0343), which are fully access to the users. All the synthesis labs and sample preparation labs are equipped with Fume hoods. Supplements, such as Millipore water, magnetic stirrer, thermostat, vortex mixer, balance and research pipettes, etc. are available in all labs. Storing samples either in refrigerator/freezer (~ 10°C) or ultra-low temperature freezer (~ -20°C) is possible during beamtime.
Giving technique supports for synthesis is another core-task for the chemistry lab. Concerning the requests of the users, polymerization (such as emulsion polymerization, dispersion polymerization and Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP)) can be conducted in the colloid chemistry lab. In addition, two UV-reactors are available in the synthesis lab that photo polymerization/reaction can be also carried out as requested. We supply the service of basic characterization of the colloidal samples as well (such as pH/conductivity measurement, auto-titration, zeta-potential etc.). Special sample treatment with high vacuum oven or freeze-drying is possible. In addition, this lab provides support by doing electron microscopic studies on colloids.
The combination of user service and professional technique support based on colloid chemistry provides an important research concept in the Institute of Soft Matter and Functional Materials, which is of big advantages comparison to simple user labs.
