Facilities

Characterization

Time-of- Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry-TOF-SIMS

TOFSIMS (Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) is a powerful surface analysis technique that can provide high-resolution, high-sensitivity chemical composition analysis and imaging of solid surfaces. By using laser or ion beam irradiation on the sample surface, TOFSIMS generates a large amount of secondary ions that are collected and analyzed by mass spectrometry. This allows researchers to determine the chemical composition, structure, and distribution on the sample surface with high precision and accuracy, even at sub-micron spatial resolution. TOFSIMS is widely used in materials science, biomedical research, nanotechnology, and other fields to analyze compound distribution, surface chemical reactions, cell component analysis, and more. Its high resolution and sensitivity make it an invaluable tool for understanding the properties of surfaces and interfaces, including multi-layered structures and depth profiles. Overall, TOFSIMS is a critical analytical tool that has greatly contributed to the advancement of surface science and technology.

Established in 2022, our lab at RB07 is equipped with state-of-the-art TOF.SIMS 5 instrumentation, offering unparalleled capabilities in surface characterization, depth profiling, and molecular imaging. We serve as a focal point for researchers exploring surface composition and structure at the molecular level. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive support, from experimental design to data analysis, to help you achieve your research goals. Whether you’re from academia or industry, we welcome you to leverage our expertise and resources.

Applications:
● Thin films
● Polymers
● Paints and Coatings
● Semiconductors
● and more…

Thermal desorption spectrometry – TDS

Thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS), also known as temperature programmed desorption (TPD) is the method of observing desorbed molecules from a surface when the surface temperature is increased. When molecules or atoms come in contact with a surface, they adsorb onto it, minimizing their energy by forming a bond with the surface. The binding energy varies with the combination of the adsorbate and surface. If the surface is heated, at one point, the energy transferred to the adsorbed species will cause it to desorb. The temperature at which this happens is known as the desorption temperature.

Applications:
● Thin films
● Photovoltaics
● Hydrogen in metals
● Semiconductors
● and more…

Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry – DEMS

DEMS technique combines electrochemical half-cell reaction experiment with mass spectrometry. This combination allows measurements and correlation of the the electrode current and mass resolved determination of DEMS technique combines electrochemical half-cell reaction experiments with mass spectrometry. This combination allows measurements and correlation of the electrode current and mass resolved determination of gaseous or volatile electrochemical reactants, reaction intermediates and products in real-time. The instrument essential consists of three crucial components: an electrochemical half-cell, a PTFE membrane interface, and a vacuum system including the quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS).

Applications:
● Fuel Cells
● Li Batteries
● Electrochemical reduction of atmospheric carbon
● and more…

Superconducting QUantum Interference Device - SQUID

SQUID is an extremely sensitive magnetic flux measurement device that detects changes in the magnetic field based on flux neutralization and the Josephson effect. SQUID is capable of detecting very weak magnetic fields with a sensitivity several orders of magnitude higher than conventional magnetometers, and can detect magnetic fields as low as 10^-11^ gauss.

Electrochemical workstation – ECW (Autolab)

Metrohm Autolab PGSTAT302N – ECW
with FRA32M & Dual mode bipotentiostat module
AUT.RRDE: Rotating-Ring Disk Electrode (R-RDE, 5mm dia)

Anodizing

Metals anodizing workstation (CC/CV)

Keithley source meter (Model no.: 2611B),
Switchable constant current (CC) or constant voltage (CV)
Max. current = 10 A ● Max. voltage = 200 V ● Rated power = 30 kV.

Coating technology

Atomic layer deposition (ALD)

Atomic layer deposition（ALD）is a surface chemistry process of thin film deposition method which enables extremely precise control of film thickness and composition. This method is characterized by the atomic layer as a unit which ensures its smaller and more demanding structures. ALD is widely used in the semiconductor or battery industry for the preparation of high-quality, high-precision films. It has shown great promise in emerging semiconductor and energy conversion technologies.

Synthesis

Microwave synthesis reactor (MAS-II plus)

MW source: 2450MHz，0-1000W, non-pulse
Temp monitor/control: IR (0-900℃) & Pt100 (0-300℃).
Maximum operating temperature: 300℃.
Reaction observation: Camera with 7’’ color monitor.
Stirring: Magnetic Or Mechanical (30-1700 RPM).

Ultrasonic Processor – SXSONIC

Model: FS-300N
Frequency: 20 KHz
Output Power: 300 W
Impulse gap : 1 s – 99 min
Sono-rod tip: Φ8mm
Sono-rod tip material: Titanium (TI-6AL-4V)
Volume cap. : 5 – 200 mL
Power adjustable: 0 – 100%

Heater and magnetic stirrer

Model: SH-II-4C (heater + stirrer + temp. probe)

- Speed: 200-2000 rpm
- Max temp: 350
- Sensor: PT100
Model: ZGCJ-3A (stirrer)
- Speed: 0-3000 rpm

Analytical and precision balance

OHAUS Adventurer
Model no. AX523
Max. wt. = 520 g
Min. wt. = 0.001 g

Quartz Crystal Microbalance QCM200

The instrument read the resonant frequency and resistance
of a 5 MHz, AT-cut quartz crystal. The resonant frequency
changes as a linear function of the mass of material deposited
on the crystal surface. The resistance at resonance changes
with the viscosity / elasticity of the material (film or liquid) in
contact with the crystal surface.
As a gravimetric instrument, the QCM200 can measure
mass ranging from micrograms to fractions of a nanogram.
Detection limits correspond to submonolayers of atoms.

Electrochemical workstation

Auto Lab PGSTAT302N

Main parameters:

Potential sweep range: −10 V to 10 V
Maximum response voltage: ±30 V
Maximum current: ±2 A Potential resolution: 0.3 µV (gain 1000)
Current resolution: 0.0003% (of current range)
Maximum bandwidth: 1 MHz
Input impedance: 1 TΩ

Application:

Electrical analysis; Electrochemical corrosion; Energy storage devices (fuel cells, batteries, solar photovoltaic cells, supercapacitors, etc.)
Electroplating
Electrolysis
Electrosynthesis
Micro and nano devices
Spectroelectrochemistry
And more …

Biologic VSP-300

Key feature：

Multi-channel Capability: It offers 6 slots to configure from 1 to 6 channel boards