The Nanofunctional Materials Laboratory
Equipment and Facilities
Nano-scale Infrared Spectroscopy (NanoIR) facility: Bruker NanoIR-3S, capable of both AFM-coupled IR spectroscopy and mapping, and scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM), including inert-environment chamber with glove-box transfer arm, and dedicated system for AFM-IR spectroscopy and imaging in fluid.
Graphene oxide production and formulation facility: Radleys Reactor Ready with 1 L and 5 L double-jacketed vessels, with large range of capabilities for scale-up including inert atmosphere, graduated additions, thermostatic temperature control and overhead stirring. Additional equipment includes a Heidolph Hei-TORQUE overhead stirrer and Huber Ministat temperature control unit (-45 to +200 °C).
Pressure sensor test facility: At the core is the pressure chamber comprised of a 6-way vacuum-cross with 4 electrical feedthroughs and a pressure inlet and exhaust. The chamber pressure can be controlled precisely using MKS 701 Throttle Valve which is calibrated using a reference MKS Baratron pressure gauge inside the chamber. The entire system is remotely controlled (Matlab) and is able to carry out static and dynamic pressure tests with cycling frequencies up to 0.5 Hz between pressures of 0.1 mbar to 5 MPa.
Sensor electronics development and test facility: Including a Keysight DSOX2024A 4-Channel 200 MHz digital oscilloscope, Instek AFG-225 2-channel 20 MHz signal generator GW, Iso-Tech LCR 819 digital LCR (bridge impedance) meter, Fluke 8808A 5-1/2 digit multimeter, Tenma 72-2640 triple channel bench power supply, and Tenma SD01738 digital soldering station & solder fumes extractor.
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Thermo Scientific Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge with 3 interchangeable rotors, which allow the processing of volumes between 2 - 250 ml. The maximum speeds that achievable are 11,000 - 15,200 rpm.
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Air Science Purair Recirculating Fumehood
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Laurell WS-650MZ-23NPPB Spin Coater with triple syringe adaptor.
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Henniker HPT-100 Plasma Cleaner
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Christ Alpha 1-4 Ldplus Freeze Dryer with 4 kg capacity.
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OHAUS Pioneer and Adventurer Pro Balances.
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Townson+Merce EV 018 Vacuum Drying Oven.
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Secador Auto-dessicator cabinets
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APK T 4-30 Manual Toggle Press with Super Dumbbell Cutting Die
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Silverson L5M Shear Mixer with 3 interchangeable mixing assemblies to allow the mixing of volumes between 1 - 500 ml.
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Elmasonic P70H Bath Sonicators (x2) with Julabo F250 Cooling System.
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Formlabs Form 2 Stereolithographic 3D Printer, with Form Wash and Form Cure post-print processing systems.
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Nikon Eclipse LV100ND Optical Microscope with DS-Ri2 camera. Capable of bright and darkfield microscopy with up to 100x magnification. Includes optical wavelength filters and polarisers for both bottom-up and top-down illumination. 
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GENESYS 10S UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
(6 cell).
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Fridge and Fridge/Freezer units
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Stuart 5510 Overhead Stirrer and SRT6 Roller Mixer


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Binder FD115 and ED115  Ovens.

Current funders

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Past funders