RESEARCH FACILITIES
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BEEZER GROUP EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
GEL PERMEATION CHROMATOGRAPHY (GPC) / SIZE EXCLUSION CHROMATOGRAPHY (SEC)
Our group analyzes polymer molecular weight and molecular weight distributions using a Waters 1525 binary high pressure liquid chromatography pump equipped with a refractive index detector (Waters 2414) and Styragel HR columns (7.8×300 mm Styragel HR 5, Styragel HR 4E, Styragel HR 3). SEC analysis of polar polymers are carried out in DMF (containing 1 mg/mL LiBr) with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min at 45 °C. Water SEC measurements are carried out using Waters UltrahydrogelTM columns (7.8×300 mm, UltrahydrogelTM 120, UltrahydrogelTM DP 120Å, UltrahydrogelTM 250). HPLC grade water (containing 1 mg/mL LiBr) is used as the eluent at a flowrate of 1 mL/min at 45 °C. Molecular weights (Mn and Mw) and molecular weight distribution are calculated from commercially available polymer standards.
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY (NMR)
NMR analyses are performed in the Department of Chemistry Core instrumentation facilities at Vanderbilt University, which is located just a few minutes from our lab. Our group also have access to Vanderbilt University's top-notch Science and Engineering library to provide all our research literature needs.
BENCHTOP NMR 1
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Our lab is equipped with a 45 MHz benchtop NMR from Magritek. This instrument is used for the preliminary analysis of crude reaction mixtures and purified polymers.
BENCHTOP NMR 2
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The lab is equipped with a 45 MHz PicoSpin NMR spectrometer capable of analyzing liquid monomer without the needed of deuterated solvents. This instrument allow us to analyze purified liquid monomers prior to polymer synthesis.
FUME HOODS EQUIPPED WITH SCHLENK LINES.
Our lab currently has three fume hoods for use when working with hazardous substances. Schlenk lines are setup in the fume hoods and are used for handling air and water sensitive chemicals.
ROTARY EVAPORATORS
We use Buchi R200 series rotary evaporators for the gentle and efficient removal of volatile organic solvents during the purification of polymer samples.
ATTENUATED TOTAL REFLECTANCE-FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY (ATR-FTIR)
The determination of relevant functional group present in various polymer samples is carried out on a Bruker Optik GmbH Alpha FTIR Spectrometer equipped with a platinum ATR attachment
BULB-TO-BULB VACUUM DISTILLATION APPARATUS
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We have a homemade bulb-to-bulb (kugelrohr) vacuum distillation apparatus for the purification of heat sensitive monomers with high boiling points. We are proud to report that our homemade still quickly distills even the most difficult monomers.
OTHER GROUP INFRASTRUCTURE
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Our laboratory is equipped with the necessary apparatus to successfully carry-out various levels of synthetic chemistry research. Our lab is located on the Secord floor of Talley-Brady Hall. Due to the collaborative nature of our research projects, our group has access to facilities in the other two chemistry labs currently located in Talley-Brady hall.
Get in touch to learn more about our research facilities.