Our expertise
The University of Liverpool's Open Innovation Hub specialises in surface analysis across a number of materials, including ceramics, metals and polymers.
Our state-of-the-art equipment and expert staff are available to provide the highest quality of surface analysis. The range of instruments available allows surface analysis ranging from high resolution topography to wetting characteristics and spectroscopy. The surface analysis techniques are combined on the same site with a dedicated microbiological lab which enables antimicrobial testing of the surfaces.
To enquire about using any of these facilities, please contact our research team with details of your research enquiry at antimicrobialsurfaces@liverpool.ac.uk or by phone at +44 (0)151 794 3541.
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Atomic force microscope (AFM)
AFM is a scanning probe microscopy technique that can provide atomic resolution imaging of a wide variety of surfaces and interfaces.
Confocal fluorescence microscopy
The viability and metabolic activity of bacteria at surfaces can be investigated using fluorescence microscopy.
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Contact angle (CA) analysis
CA is a versatile non-destructive technique providing information on the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of surfaces, and on wettability processes at interfaces.
Electron microscopy
Covering both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy.
Infra-red spectroscopy
An infrared spectrum (IR) represents a fingerprint of a sample with absorption peaks corresponding to the vibrational modes of the molecules.
Langmuir trough
The Langmuir trough enables the controlled deposition of molecular monolayers and multilayers onto solid substrates at the air-water or water-water interface.
Microbiological facilities
Our microbiology facilities are equipped with the latest materials and resources to enable cutting edge research.
Quartz crystal microbalance
QCM-D is a powerful tool for investigating mass changes and interactions occurring at surfaces as well as changes in viscoelasticity of surface bound materials.
Raman spectroscopy
A vibrational spectroscopic technique that provides chemical information resolved down to the diffraction limit of light.
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Scanning tunnelling microscope (STM)
STM is a non-contact technique which provides high resolution topographic information of conducting surfaces.
Surface functionalisation techniques
Surface functionalisation grafts desired chemical groups on the material surface, enabling the subsequent attachment of other, more or less complex objects.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can provide both elemental and chemical state information on a wide range of sample types.
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BioAFM
BioAFM is an atomic force microscope specifically adapted for studying biological samples and soft matter.