Facilities and services
We operate specialist facilities to support our research programmes and many are available for hire by external users. Our laboratories and equipment are operated by experienced technical teams and clients can access broader support, for example in experimental design and analysis.
Analytical Services – Department of Chemistry
Analytical Services in the Department of Chemistry are comprised of solution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Mass-Spectrometry (MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and CHN-Elemental Analysis (EA).
Solid state NMR facilities incorporate consist of a Bruker Avance III HD NMR spectrometers operating at 400 MHz proton frequency with a wide range of Magic Angle Spinning NMR probes (rotor diameter from 1.3 to 7 mm), and variable temperature capabilities ranging from -150 °C to 400 °C. In addition, upon successful proposal writing, we also have access to the UK 850 MHz solid state NMR national facility at the University of Warwick
Any new users should contact Dr F. Blanc for access.
Mass-spectrometry facilities allows to perform analysis using EI/CI methods (a low resolution instrument for nominal mass only) and ESI (a high resolution instrument for accurate mass measurement of masses over ~ 250Da).
Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry facilities are capable of qualitative and quantitative determinations of up to 73 elements.
CHN-Elemental Analysis facilities provide quantitative analysis for organic and inorganic compounds using the high temperature “flash” combustion principle. Both CHN and ICP-OES analyzers are calibrated and maintained using an array of certified standards in accordance with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The Department of Chemistry has maintained an analytical service for more than four decades that offers advice, interpretation of data and expertise from its current staffing level of 3 technicians with all activity coordinated by the Analytical Services Scientific Coordinator, Dr Konstantin Luzyanin.
Ultra Mixing and Processing Facility (UMPF)
Emulsions offer an important product delivery format, across many product sectors (personal care, food, pharmaceuticals, paints). The University's Ultra Mixing and Processing Facility (UMPF) provides a unique world class facility to explore how alternative emulsion processing regimes can reduce energy consumption and help minimise feedstock raw materials.
Pressures by orders of magnitude higher than those used in previous mixing technologies (up to 5000 bar), combined with clever modifications of the operational modes and geometries of conventional rotor-stator devices (with speeds up to 50,000 rpm), give this facility the leading edge that will set new standards in fluid processing. The facility has been developed in conjunction with a process equipment manufacturer and large multi-national company.
For information please contact Prof Dmitry Shchukin
The Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry
The Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry (KCMC) is a virtual centre of expertise providing multi-disciplinary research and innovative knowledge transfer based on world class capabilities in applied materials chemistry.
The KCMC provides a single point of contact for companies of all sizes to access a substantial range of facilities and expertise in applied materials chemistry here at Liverpool. The KCMC also provides a flexible resource pool of project scientists which can be used to execute shorter term industry led projects.
KCMC currently has 100+ active or completed projects with industry partners. Of these roughly 40% are energy related, either with companies in the supply chain or end users.