LSQNLSQN is a suitably equipped laboratory for the chemical synthesis of stable and functionalised semiconductor quantum dots and metal nanoparticles of controlled sizes within solgel solutions including within polymers.
- By physical (ablation in liquid phase) and chemical methods of III-V (GaAs, InAs) and II-VI (CdS, CdSe, PbSe) semiconductor nanocrystals (2-10 nm in diameter) with absorption edges from the near infrared to UV. In the latter case the quantum dots (see figure below) are obtained with high optical quality.
- Metal nanoparticles (5-25 nm in diameter) of Ag, Au and Ag-Au alloys have been produced by means of chemical synthesis (see figure below) produced by laser ablation of a suitable target. This method has been patented for their novelty.
- Metal nanoparticles (3-50 nm in diameter, depending on the type) of Ag and Au (triangular crystals shown in the figure below), Ag-Au alloy, Pt, Pd, etc. synthesized by different methods. The interest of such nanoparticles is focused on the use of their optical properties associated with the surface plasmon.
- Iron oxide nanoparticles (magnetic, the order of 10 nm), silicon dioxide and titanium (hundreds of nm). It aims to combine some of the above types of nanoparticles to achieve new effects in optical properties and new applications.
- Mechanical stirrer with heating from 150-300 °C with digital readout.
- Digitor21 centrifuge with a maximum capacity of 2.6 L and two types of stirrer, oscillator and a 45° angler accessories.
- Ultrasonic homogenizer complete with generator GM 2200, and ultrasonic converter with resonator and 13mm microtip. The ultrasonic actuator is housed in a soundproof box. This equipment can treat workvolumes from 5 to 900 mL.
- 100W ultrasonic bath with a capacity of 2.6 L and thermostat. Oil bath with thermostat.
- Spinner (apparatus for deposition of thin films by spin) with speeds from 400 to 6000 rpm. 150mm nylon cuvette with acrylic safety lid. AC motor system with seal and on axis vacuum entrance. Process control variation (0.1 seconds to hours). Manual vacuum breaker and holder for small parts.
- Drying oven with 20 L capacity. PID digital temperature control from ambient to +250 °C. Overtemperature alarm for product protection. Digital timer adjustable from 0 to 120 min and digital readout of temperature.
- 32x32cm2 digital hotplate with digital readout. Temperature range of 200 to 400 °C. Microprocessor-controlled temperature. Internal probe Pt-100. Stainless-steel plate.
- Millipore water purification system, model Elix3 and storage tank. Supplied with working filters and elements for setting-up and for the warranty period of the device.
- UV lamp and stand with 254 and 365 nm filters and tubes. Aluminium support bellows.
- A micro-plotter for the deposition of ink or similar substance. It's core unit consists of three motorized arms, dispensing head connected to the vertical arm and camera display (integral with the head). This unit allows the deposition of inks over large areas. The position of the head on these motorized arms can be controlled to within micrometer resolution (5 µm). It comes supplied with heads that can deposit a minimum volume of about 0.6 pL.
- Fume cupboard with various gas supplies and temperature control.
- Benches fitted for chemistry work.
- Glassware and general benchtop equipment.
- Low power refrigeration and freezer units.
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