Instrumentation and Methods in the Department In Situ and Operando Characterization

GPC System 1260 Infinity Series (Agilent)

This GPC is equipped with an autosampler and a column oven (Jasco). It has a RI detector, UV detector, and fluorescence detector as a standard. A multi-angle static light scattering detector (BI-MwA), Brookhaven Instruments) or a viscosity detector can be connected on demand.
This system is used for polar organic solvents (dimethylformamide, dimethyl acetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide) for the analysis of molar masses 1 – 100 000 kDa. It is equipped with analytical GRAM columns (2x).

GPC System 1260 Infinity Series (Agilent)

This GPC is equipped with an autosampler and a column oven. It has a refractive index detector (RI), diode array detector (DAD), multi-angle static light scattering detector (BI-MwA), Brookhaven Instruments) and a viscosity detector (Seccurity DVD 1260) as a standard allowing triple detection. A fraction collector can be connected on demand.
This system is used for unpolar organic solvents (usually chloroform) for the analysis of molar masses 1 – 100 000 kDa. It is equipped with analytical SDV columns (2x).

GPC EcoSec HLC 8320GPC (TOSOH)

This GPC is equipped with an autosampler and a column oven. It has a refractive index detector (RI) having a separate reference flow cell for high throughput application. Furthermore, a viscosity detector, UV detector and light scattering detector are connected.
This system is running with tetrahydrofuran (or other unpolar solvents) and is equipped with PLgel columns (2x). It is used for the analysis of molar masses 1- 100 000 kDa.

Ultimate 3000 Dionex HPLC (Thermo Scientific)

This HPLC is equipped with an autosampler, a column oven, and a cooled fraction collector for temperature sensitive samples. It has a refractive index detector (RI) and a variable wavelength UV detector.

HPLC System 1260 Infinity Series (Agilent)

This HPLC is equipped with an autosampler and a column oven. It has a refractive index detector (RI), diode array detector (DAD), and mass detector (LC/MSD XT) with a flexibility in mass detecting allowing ESI and APCI mode. An isocratic and optionally a quaternary pump are available.

2D-LC System 1260 Infinity Series (Agilent)

This comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) allows fractionation of complex samples regarding e.g. end groups in the first dimension and a simultaneous fractionation by another molecular parameter e.g. molar mass in the second dimension. This 2D-LC set-up is equipped with autosamplers and column oven and with a RI detector and Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (ELSD). Both LCs are connected by a magnetic valve. A fraction collector can be connected on demand on both dimensions.

1290 Infinity II Series Preparative HPLC (Agilent)

The preparative HPLC is equipped with a preparative autosampler/fraction collector and a binary preparative pump. Fractionation in the gram scale can be mass (LC/ MS XT using ESI mode) or UV (variable wavelength detector) controlled. For the analysis of fractions and/or samples a quaternary pump and additionally a diode array detector (DAD WR) can be used.

LC Transform

The LC-Transform provides an interface between HPLC and FTIR. It enables the collection of a chromatogram on a disc (e.g. germanium discs) which is followed by solvent evaporation. After sample deposition onto the disc analysis in a FTIR spectrometer provides additional information about the individual fractions.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry of macromolecules is carried out on an ultrafleXtreme mass spectrometer (Bruker) offering a high resolution.

The Electrospray-Ionization (ESI) mass spectrometer Impact II (Bruker) for the analysis of ionizable, soluble macromolecules is hyphenated with an Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC).

High-resolution NMR spectroscopy with a 700MHz Bruker Neo NMR and a nitrogen cooled Prodigy cryoprobe provides molecular information on materials such as chemical composition, functional groups, microstructure, and diffusion behavior. The system can be used in routine NMR and for special measurements like diffusion NMR or in combination with a flow NMR system for reaction monitoring.

Our 500MHz Bruker Avance Neo is equipped with an automated sample changer for the use in routine liquids NMR and diffusion measurements. Additionally, we integrated the possibility to investigate e.g. hydrogels and biological tissue with our HR-MAS (High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning) probe. This system is also equipped with a flow NMR system for online reaction monitoring or LC-NMR experiments.

The TEM Talos F200X is equipped with an X-FEG and is a multi-purpose device that can be operated at 80 kV and 200 kV. The images are captured with a CETA 16M camera. It is integrated with a high-resolution STEM generator (BF, DF2, DF4, HAADF detectors) and a Super-X EDS detector for elemental analysis.

Scanning Electron Microscope

The SEM Gemini Supra 40 VP (ZEISS Microscopy) is equipped with an X-FEG and can be operated in high vacuum and variable pressure. A windowless EDX detector Ultim100 (Oxford Instruments) is adapted and enables energy dispersive elemental analysis starting with the element lithium. A STEM module enables imaging in transmission.

Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope

The SEM Quanta FEG 250 is equipped with an X-FEG and can be operated in high vacuum, variable pressure and ESEM mode. Topography and material contrast detectors enable image acquisition. The samples to be examined can be heated or cooled down to -160°C. A (cryo) shuttle (Leica) enables contamination-free or cooled transfer of samples. An Octan Elect-EDX detector (AMETEK) is adapted and enables energy dispersive element analysis.

Drop Shape Analyser

The Drop Shape Analyzer DSA100 (KRÜSS) enables the full analysis of solids and liquids in wetting and coating processes and acquires sessile drop and captive bubble contact angle and surface tension results. Various test liquids can be used, and the samples can be temperature controlled

Force Tensiometer

The K100 tensiometer (KRÜSS) is used to determine surface and interfacial tensions as well as dynamic contact angles for liquid and solid surfaces on any samples at a defined temperature. A density measurement set enables the density of small quantities of liquid to be determined.

Cross-sections of e.g. foams can be analyzed non-destructively by microCT for the determination of pore shape and sizes. The micro-computed tomography (µCT) instrument (CT-COMPACT, ProCon X-Ray GmbH, Garbsen, Germany) is ideal for nondestructive testing and materials analysis. Sample specimen (max. object size Ø 200 x H 200 mm) are fixed on a rotary stage and scanned inside the µCT instrument. The morphology investigations are carried out with a tungsten target and operated at a voltage of 0-150 kV. The specimens are scanned in x, y, and z directions. The distance between source and detector can be varied. Porosity and pore geometry are quantitatively determined from the 3D µCT images. For the image processing the MAVI software (Version 2020, Fraunhofer ITWM, Kaiserslautern, Germany) is used.
CT compact (Procon X-ray)
X-ray source (max. 150 kV)
Analyzer (1024*1024 pixels; resolution 5µm)
Temperature-controlled sample holder (0°C to 80°C; step size 0.45 degrees)

Asylum MFD-3D

The MFP-3D from Asylum Research is a versatile atomic force microscope designed for high-resolution imaging and advanced nanomechanical measurements. Our AFM system is well-equipped with a variety of accessories, enabling electrical conductivity measurements, modulus mapping measurements, temperature control and humidity control.

Bruker Multimode 8

The Multimode 8 from Bruker is a high-performance atomic force microscope which offers high resolution and supports various imaging modes. The system features integrated optical microscopy for precise sample navigation and advanced automation for consistent results. The upgraded peakforce mode improved the functionality of the device, which allows for high-resolution topographical imaging while simultaneously measuring mechanical properties of a sample.

JPK BioAFM

The JPK BioAFM system, featuring the NanoWizard 4 XP NanoScience and JPK CellHesion 200, is a cutting-edge atomic force microscope designed for advanced biological and materials research. The QI Mode (Quantitative Imaging Mode) of the JPK BioAFM enables researchers to obtain high-resolution topographical images while simultaneously measuring quantitative mechanical properties, providing detailed insights into the nanomechanical behavior of samples. The CellHesion 200 is specifically designed for measuring forces between cells and between cells and their substrates. This is crucial for understanding biological processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and signaling. The device is located in a S1 lab and compatible with living cells experiments.