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Facilities and analytical services

Supporting research and industry with advanced chemical analysis

The Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS) offers a comprehensive suite of analytical and technical services to external organisations. Drawing on the expertise of our team of highly qualified professional chemists—many of whom are Chartered Chemists—we provide fast, reliable, and confidential support across a wide range of chemical challenges.

Our state-of-the-art instrumentation and specialist knowledge enable us to assist industry with both routine and complex analytical needs, all delivered with precision, confidentiality, and competitive pricing.

Our core services

NMR Spectroscopy

Our Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) facility includes four instruments:

  • Bruker AVIII300 Nanobay
  • Bruker AVIII400
  • Bruker AVIIIHD400
  • Benchtop NMR system

These instruments provide detailed molecular insights and support a range of structural and dynamic studies.

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Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction

Using a Bruker D8 Venture dual-source diffractometer (Cu & Mo, installed April 2019) with an Oxford Cryosystems Cryostream at 100K, we provide rapid and accurate crystal structure determination—often within a single day.

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Powder and Wide-Angle X-ray Diffraction

Our Malvern Panalytical Empyrean diffractometer (installed July 2021) is equipped for:

  • Small- and wide-angle scattering (SAXS/WAXS)
  • Powder XRD in reflection and transmission modes
  • Capillary and flat-plate sample analysis
  • Grazing incidence XRD, reflectivity, stress, and texture measurements

The system includes a 30-position sample changer and supports a wide range of materials, from powders to thin films and liquids—ideal for polymer and nanomaterials research.

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Elemental Analysis (CHN)

We offer CHN microanalysis using an Exeter Analytical CE440 analyser. We can handle solids, liquids, and air-sensitive samples with a typical minimum sample size of 5 mg.

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FTIR and Melting Point Determination

Fast and accurate FTIR analysis and melting point determination for a range of sample types.

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Other Analytical Services

We also offer access to:

  • UV/Vis Spectroscopy
  • Gas and Liquid Chromatography (GC/HPLC)
  • Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AA)
  • Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
  • Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
  • Traditional wet chemistry techniques

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