Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a cutting-edge analytical technique primarily employed for the rapid, precise, and accurate determination of trace elements (less than 1000 ppm) in both liquid and solid samples. In addition to trace element analysis, ICP-MS is also utilized for isotopic determinations and speciation studies. The modern ICP-MS system excels in its ability to measure trace elements at extremely low detection limits (down to sub parts per trillion levels) while simultaneously quantifying minor and major elements at parts per million levels during a single analytical run on appropriately diluted samples. This versatility makes ICP-MS an invaluable tool for a wide range of geochemical and environmental research applications.

Services Offered

• Isotope ratio analysis for geological samples
• Radiogenic isotope measurements (e.g., Sr, Nd, Pb)
• Support for geochronology and petrology research
• Collaboration on isotope geochemistry studies

Services Offered

• Experimental studies on rock permeability and fluid flow
• Pore-scale imaging and analysis
• Research on reservoir quality and hydrocarbon recovery
• Collaboration on petroleum and geoscience research

Services Offered

• Aqueous geochemistry analysis
• Sample preparation and chemical treatments
• Analysis of environmental and geological samples
• Collaboration on water and soil chemistry studies

Services Offered

• Experimental setups for fluid flow in porous media
• Modeling of reservoir and aquifer processes
• Visualization of micro-scale fluid behaviors
• Research support for oil, gas, and environmental studies

The X-ray Diffraction Facility at UT Austin’s Department of Chemistry offers comprehensive X-ray diffraction services for single crystal and powder samples. Equipped with advanced diffractometers, the facility supports both academic and external research needs, providing options for user-operated and lab-assisted analysis. Through rigorous safety and instrument training, graduate-level researchers can gain access for independent sample analysis, contributing to studies across chemistry and materials science.

Services Offered

• Crystallographic analysis of solid materials
• Phase identification and quantification
• X-ray powder diffraction for materials research
• Training in XRD data interpretation and analysis

The Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (EPR) Facility at UT Austin's Department of Chemistry features a Bruker EMX Plus spectrometer equipped for X-band and Q-band EPR, as well as ENDOR and variable temperature studies. This facility supports a wide range of research applications by providing researchers access to sophisticated EPR instrumentation and expertise. The facility is committed to facilitating advanced investigations into paramagnetic species, enhancing the understanding of materials at the molecular level.

Services Offered

• EPR spectroscopy for paramagnetic sample analysis
• Custom EPR experimental design
• Sample preparation and support for paramagnetic studies
• Training in EPR data collection and interpretation
• High-resolution spectrometers for a range of biological and material applications

The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility at UT Austin provides researchers with high-resolution spectroscopic capabilities for structural analysis of organic, inorganic, and biomolecular compounds. Equipped with a range of state-of-the-art NMR spectrometers, the facility supports applications in chemistry, materials science, and pharmaceutical research. Services include routine and advanced NMR experiments, data interpretation, and user training. The facility also offers expert consultation for customized experimental setups, ensuring researchers have the tools and expertise needed for detailed molecular characterization.

Services Offered

• High-resolution NMR spectroscopy
• Analysis of molecular structure and dynamics
• Customizable NMR experimental setups
• Training in NMR data interpretation and experimental design

The MRC is the administrative unit responsible for providing access to advanced nano-fabrication equipment for users from various fields, including electronics, optics, physics, chemistry, and engineering disciplines. It serves both university and corporate researchers, offering not only state-of-the-art clean room facilities but also a collaborative environment. MRC staff provide guidance and support to lab users, fostering a community of scientists who work together to advance technology and knowledge.

Services Offered

• Nanofabrication and microfabrication facilities
• Semiconductor device prototyping
• Cleanroom access and support
• Training in photolithography, etching, and thin-film deposition
• Collaborative research in electronics and materials science

Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry EA-ISOLINK – Delta V IRMS

Carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of solid samples (sediment, soil, nutrient filters, tissues)

GASBENCH – Delta V IRMS

• Carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of carbonates
• Oxygen and hydrogen isotopic composition of water
• Carbon isotopic composition of dissolved inorganic carbon. GC-ISOLINK – Delta V IRMS
• Compound specific carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of fatty acids, alkanes, alcohols, amino acids

LC-ISOLINK – Delta Q IRMS

Carbon isotope composition of liquid phased compounds

Mass Spectrometry LC-Ion-Mobility-Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight-Mass-Spectrometry

Provide accurate mass detection, molecular discovery, and quantification of analytes, including but not limited to, proteins, metabolites, lipids and carbohydrates. Agilent 6560 LC/MS IM-QTOF.

Elemental and Nutrient Analysis LACHAT QUIKCHEM

Quantify nutrients (ammonium, nitrate, silicate, phosphate) in aqueous samples (seawater, river water, groundwater)

TOC/TDN

Total organic carbon and total dissolved nitrogen abundance measurements in aqueous samples (seawater, river water, groundwater)

Services Offered

• Analytical services for marine and environmental samples
• Coastal and marine ecosystem monitoring
• Sample analysis for chemical and biological parameters
• Collaborative research in marine science and oceanography

The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Laboratory offers micro to nanoscale SEM imaging and chemical analysis of various rock types, playing a critical role in a wide range of funded research projects related to reservoir characterization, fracture measurements and interpretation, and unconventional resources. Equipped with a newly acquired Zeiss Sigma High Vacuum Field Emission SEM, the laboratory specializes in generating large-area, high-resolution, automated image mosaics for fracture-scaling studies. This advanced imaging capability supports innovative research in geological sciences and resource exploration.

Services Offered

• Scanning electron microscopy for micro- to nanoscale imaging
• Elemental analysis via EDS and WDS
• High-resolution imaging for geological samples
• Consulting on SEM techniques and data interpretation