Analytical Methods Laboratory

Our Analytical Methods Laboratory has a range of instrumentation for chemical analysis including chromatography, electrochemistry and molecular and atomic spectroscopy.

Our laboratory is used for teaching, research and consultancy with applications across biology, chemistry, engineering and forensic science. Many types of samples can be analysed using our instrumentation including drugs, paint, polymers, volatile organic chemicals and biological samples.

Examples of work carried out in this laboratory include:

  • Analysis of illicit drugs including identification of novel psychoactive substances
  • Thermogravimetric analysis of paint, rubber and cosmetics
  • Identification of biomarkers for location of clandestine graves and the determination of post-mortem interval
  • Determination of chemical attractants for the British mosquito
  • Forensic investigation of perfumes, deodorants and antiperspirants
  • Research into ignitable liquids and their packaging
  • Investigation into soil samples at historical sites
  • Determination of cortisol in saliva and hair.

Equipment

  • Thermo Nicolet 380 FTIR
  • Perkin Elmer Clarus 500 dual FID
  • Thermal Gravimetric Analyser coupled to FTIR and GC-MS
  • LC-MS: Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC coupled to iFunnel 6550 QToF with ESI
  • High Performance Liquid Chromatographs, (HPLC), with ultraviolet (UV), and fluorescence detectors and fraction collection × 3
  • Flame and Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometers (AAS), and flame photometers
  • Ion Chromatograph capable of anion and cation analysis
  • Perkin Elmer Lambda 3 UV-Vis spectrometer
  • Voltameter

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS)

Ion chromatography

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry with Headspace Sampler

Thermal Gravimetric Analyser

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), with Spotlight 400 microscope

Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Automated thermal desorption.

Staff

Photo of Analytical Methods Laboratory

Location

Opening Times

The instrument must be booked in advanced

Usual access times are Mon – Friday 9am – 5pm

 

Note – automated and overnight analysis is available for some instruments

 

 

Hub

Science Hub

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021