ELCAT

Analytical characterization

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Prepare

chemistry (1)

Characterize

chart

Analyze

The strength of analysis

Measuring chemical products is the cornerstone of solving production issues. With our expertise in tailor made analyses we can help you gain more insight in to your (bio)-chemical processes. Our high-end industry standard tools such as ICP-MS, GC (-MS) and LC (-MS) have already proven their efficacy in previous projects.

As a electrochemistry group with a wide range of projects, our expertise in analytical chemistry was developed for a broad range of solutions. This expertise can be used to provide your company with a solution from start to finish in troubleshooting. With our background in engineering, you can expect to receive a solution to your problem, rather than just a measured value.

The strength of analysis

Measuring chemical products is the cornerstone of solving production issues. With our expertise in tailor made analyses we can help you gain more insight in to your (bio)-chemical processes. Our high-end industry standard tools such as ICP-MS, GC (-MS) and LC (-MS) have already proven their efficacy in previous projects.

As a electrochemistry group with a wide range of projects, our expertise in analytical chemistry was developed for a broad range of solutions. This expertise can be used to provide your company with a solution from start to finish in troubleshooting. With our background in engineering, you can expect to receive a solution to your problem, rather than just a measured value.

Our machines and specifications

Inductively coupled plasma -mass spectrometry

Inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry is a versatile tool to characterize both trace and pure metals. This characterization can be used to quickly gain an insight in corrosion or degradation processes in your production plant, or spot ppt level impurities in your finished product.

Our state of the art Agilent 7850 ICP-MS measures the full periodic table of elements in a two minute measurement. This way non-targeted analysis is possible, and results can be found where they were not expected. The instrument is additionally equipped with a ultra-fast detector, which enables single-particle measurements to obtain size distribution of nano-particles. An ultra-high matrix interface enables the direct measurement of solutions with up to 25% of dissolved solids.

 

Sample preparation is as important as the analytical technique itself. As a research group, we daily experience samples with atypical elements or distributions of compounds. Our spectrum of in-house developed methods are adjusted to tailor fit for your analytical needs, reducing method development time and bringing confidence in your results. 

Inductively coupled plasma -mass spectrometry

Inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry is a versatile tool to characterize both trace and pure metals. This characterization can be used to quickly gain an insight in corrosion or degradation processes in your production plant, or spot ppt level impurities in your finished product.

Our state of the art Agilent 7850 ICP-MS measures the full periodic table of elements in a two minute measurement. This way non-targeted analysis is possible, and results can be found where they were not expected. The instrument is additionally equipped with a ultra-fast detector, which enables single-particle measurements to obtain size distribution of nano-particles. An ultra-high matrix interface enables the direct measurement of solutions with up to 25% of dissolved solids.

 

Sample preparation is as important as the analytical technique itself. As a research group, we daily experience samples with atypical elements or distributions of compounds. Our spectrum of in-house developed methods are adjusted to tailor fit for your analytical needs, reducing method development time and bringing confidence in your results. 

Gas chromatography – mass spectrometry

If conformation of structure for a compound described in literature is needed, Gas-chromatography mass spectrometry can be used to quickly gain insightful answers. Unknown organic contaminants can be found in process streams, or low levels of contaminations such as pesticides can be found in waste streams.

Our single quad system bundles the ease-of-use of gas chromatography with fast acquisition of mass spectra. These spectra are automatically compared to a NIST database to provide structural information of unknown target compounds. Gases are routinely analyzed as well, including the permanent gases.

 

With use of derivatization, molecules that are not traditionally fit for GCMS analysis, such as sugars, can be analyzed. We have expertise analyzing a broad range of compounds in this fashion, to provide evidence of the presence of specific compounds. This is especially useful in the understanding of the degradation process of finished products.

Gas chromatography – mass spectrometry

If conformation of structure for a compound described in literature is needed, Gas-chromatography mass spectrometry can be used to quickly gain insightful answers. Unknown organic contaminants can be found in process streams, or low levels of contaminations such as pesticides can be found in waste streams.

Our single quad system bundles the ease-of-use of gas chromatography with fast acquisition of mass spectra. These spectra are automatically compared to a NIST database to provide structural information of unknown target compounds. Gases are routinely analyzed as well, including the permanent gases.

 

With use of derivatization, molecules that are not traditionally fit for GCMS analysis, such as sugars, can be analyzed. We have expertise analyzing a broad range of compounds in this fashion, to provide evidence of the presence of specific compounds. This is especially useful in the understanding of the degradation process of finished products.

Ultra performance liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry

Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry is a sensitive technique that can complement traditional HPLC analysis. Targeted screening is possible at low levels, and confirmation of mass can be given for compounds of interest.

Our Waters Arc/QDa system is a hybrid, modular system that allows non-routine LC-MS measurements. A column switching valve allows fast screening during method development, reducing instrument time to get a result. A GPC oven and additional detectors complement the system, so that non-trivial samples can be measured as well. The QDa single-quad mass detector is fitted with a high sensitivity option, and it’s design allows for fast switching between positive and negative cone voltages. As such, in a single run multiple MS conditions can be optimized. This drastically reduces time to produce excellent MS data. High throughput is ensured by short run times. Additionally traditional HPLC (DAD/RI) is also available to suit your needs.

 

Clean-up and purification steps such as SPE can be used to further increase the limit of detection for your compounds of interest.

Ultra performance liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry

Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry is a sensitive technique that can complement traditional HPLC analysis. Targeted screening is possible at low levels, and confirmation of mass can be given for compounds of interest.

Our Waters Arc/QDa system is a hybrid, modular system that allows non-routine LC-MS measurements. A column switching valve allows fast screening during method development, reducing instrument time to get a result. A GPC oven and additional detectors complement the system, so that non-trivial samples can be measured as well. The QDa single-quad mass detector is fitted with a high sensitivity option, and it’s design allows for fast switching between positive and negative cone voltages. As such, in a single run multiple MS conditions can be optimized. This drastically reduces time to produce excellent MS data. High throughput is ensured by short run times. Additionally traditional HPLC (DAD/RI) is also available to suit your needs.

 

Clean-up and purification steps such as SPE can be used to further increase the limit of detection for your compounds of interest.

Other analytical characterization techniques

Our lab is well equipped with supporting infrastructure and equipment, such as Karl-Fischer, DEMS, gas atmosphere muffle and tube furnaces, and a glovebox. With the help of this in-house equipment, we can develop tailor-made methods in a short notice.

Other analytical characterization techniques

Our lab is well equipped with supporting infrastructure and equipment, such as Karl-Fischer, DEMS, gas atmosphere muffle and tube furnaces, and a glovebox. With the help of this in-house equipment, we can develop tailor-made methods in a short notice.

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Contact us

Universiteitsplein 1
Building B
2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp
Belgium
+32 (0)3 265 88 27