Major Instruments in Chemistry

The study of chemistry in the modern age makes use of a wide variety of instruments from simple and rugged spectrometers and pH meters to sophisticated instruments that rely on computer interfaces for the collection and analysis of data.  A wide variety of instrumentation can be found throughout the chemistry department.  The major instruments in the department are identified below.  It is the goal of the chemistry department for students to use major instrumentation frequently in teaching laboratories and undergraduate research projects.

Left: Anasazi Fourier-transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (FT-NMR),operated by A. H. Davis, Dr. Frantz and Dana Greenhow
Right: Mattson Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), operated by Beth Steinmetz

Both of these instruments are used to characterize organic compounds, and here they are being used by students in Organic Chemistry.

Left: Agilent Technologies gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), operated by Steve Schroff
Right: Varian gas chromatograph (GC), operated by Ben Blasco

The GC-MS is a sophisticated instrument, here being used by a student for his senior research project. The GC is less sophisticated, but still gives good results.  Here it is being used by a student in Quantitative Analysis.

Left: Perkin-Elmer atomic absorption spectrometer (AA), operated by Andrew Thurston and student assistant George Elbel.
Right: Potentiometric titration with a Vernier Software lab interface, operated by Jeremiah Myers

The AA is a standard instrument for the analysis of metals and is used frequently in Quantitative Analysis and Environmental Chemistry.  The AA housed in the department can be operated in both the flame mode for more concentrated samples and the graphite furnace mode for trace analysis.

Watch this space for further interesting developments!  The department recently acquired a new HPLC, a low resolution Raman system which arrived in September 2006, and an XRF which will arrive by the end of the fall semester.

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Environmental Chemistry Laboratory

Often environmental work requires a lab space with some specialized equipment.  The environmental chemistry lab has a variety of field equipment for the collection and transportation of samples.  To prevent contamination of environmental samples, the environmental chemistry lab contains a refrigerator that is reserved for sample storage.  When doing trace analysis, special measures must be taken when preparing standards and solutions.  To ensure research grade water, the environmental chemistry lab has a water polishing system.

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Undergraduate Research

The department provides space for students to work on independent research projects under the guidance of a supervising faculty member.  Undergraduate research space is separate from the department's teaching laboratories. Recent projects include molecular orbital calculations, 2D-NMR, magnetic susceptibility from NMR, biodiesel synthesis, stream water quality monitoring, and the environmental fate of various chemicals including bisphenol-A and plant growth regulators.  Students working on research projects are encouraged to present their findings at regional scientific meetings.  Interested in a research project?  Contact individual faculty members directly about how you can get started.

Ms. Timko presents her research at a regional meeting of the ACS-SA.

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