Instrument Specific FAQs

 

Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE SEM)

1. How many samples can be submitted in a single request form?

Maximum of 5 samples

2. Does the Gold sputtering process affect the sample?

No, the process only creates a very thin coating on the sample surface to enhance the conductivity for good imaging.

3. What amount of sample is required for FESEM?

Powder: Minimum of 2.5 to 5mg.

Film: Maximum allowed size 1cm X 1cm

4. How will we come to know about the slot allocation?

The concerned operator/office assistant will intimate you at least a week before your slot by calling you.

BET Surface area Analyser

1. How much time is required to complete a BET analysis?

There are two stages, 1) Pre-treatment of samples, 2) Adsorption-Desorption isotherm process. Normally Adsorption-Desorption process takes 16Hrs for a sample with moderate surface area. The time will increase according to sample nature and surface area. The pre-treatment time is decided by the user. It ranges from 2 Hrs to 24 Hrs.

2. Can I perform the BET analysis on Film samples?

No! The sample cells used in BET analysis is having a diameter of 1cm, so we cannot accommodate samples larger than this diameter. We prefer powder samples.

3. Which plot should I use for calculating Pore Volume (Diameter)?

BET plot, and also you can refer BJH and t-plot to study the mesoporous characters of samples.

4. Which gases are used for the process of Chemisorption?

Available gases are,

TPD-NH₃ (Carrier Gas – He, Pulse Gas – 95% He+5% NH₃)

TPD-CO₂ (Carrier Gas - He, Pulse Gas – 95% He+5% CO₂)

TPO (Carrier Gas – He, Pulse Gas – 95% He+5% O₂)

TPR (Carrier Gas – Ar, Pulse Gas – 95% Ar+5% H₂)

UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer

1. What do we get from DRS measurement?

%Reflectance Vs Wavelength plot

2. What wavelength range is used for your UV-Vis-NIR instrument?

200nm to 2500nm

3. Can I reuse the sample after the analysis for other experiments?

Yes, if your sample is not UV sensitive you can reuse it. UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer analysis is a non-destructive method.

Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICPMS)

1. Can I get the concentration of the rare earth elements from the ICPMS?

Yes, we use standards having rare earth elements. To know which rare earth elements are available at CSIF please refer to the elements chart provided on our website.

2. What is the least concentration that your ICPMS can measure?

Our instrument normally measures the concentration in ppb (parts per billion), also it can provide the concentration in ppt (parts per trillion).

3. If I require the ICPMS of a leaf sample, in what medium should I digest the sample?

You can use Conc.HNO₃ (for more details regarding the sample preparation method visit our website)