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