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Sample Preparation Facilities for your 
Chemistry Needs

 

Air-Sensitive Catalyst Handling and Preparation

A dedicated laboratory provides 24/7 access for APS users working with air-sensitive catalysts for beamline experiments, with a primary focus on the preparation and transfer of materials under inert atmosphere conditions. 

Catalysis Dedicated Glovebox

Catalysis Glovebox

The lab features a glovebox specifically reserved for catalysis samples, maintained under high-purity nitrogen and free of solvents, sulfur, and phosphorus contaminants.

Glovebox schedule 

The glovebox is equipped with essential tools to support routine sample preparation:

  • METTLER TOLEDO analytical balance
  • American International Electric – 12" Impulse Heat Sealer
  • Standing vice
  • Anti-static ionizer
  • Heat sealer & envelopes
  • Basic tools: mortar & pestle, scissors, tweezers, files, brushes, spatulas
  • Basic supplies: XL nitrile gloves, Kimwipes, aluminum foil, weighing paper, scotch tape, electrical tape, Kapton tape, post-it notes, pencils
  • Basic chemicals: silica, boron nitride, carbon (Vulcan), polyethylene glycol (PEG)

All users must complete in-person training before being granted access.

Before using the laboratory

  1. Check the glovebox schedule 

  2. Reserve the glovebox 

    The laboratory provides services on a first-come, first-served basis — book as soon as you know about your beam time.

  3. Submit ESAF 

    Each user group must provide a detailed description of sample-preparation activities within the “Laboratory use” section of the sector 9 ESAF .

    Users performing synchrotron measurements outside sector 9 must submit a separate non-X-ray ESAF describing work done in sector 9 facilities. Instructions for creating a non-X-ray ESAF are available here .

  4. Finish Training 

    For your convenience, sector 9 training is available online. In-person glovebox training will be provided upon arrival.

During Your Visit

  • Make sure you fill out an activity card and keep it in the designated work area.
  • Log your glovebox entrances in the designated glovebox logbook.
  • Keep your work area as clean as possible.
  • Keep track of all your waste.

Before You Leave

New to in situ flow-cell experiments?

Below are short how-to videos introducing the custom furnace and flow-cell assembly workflow.

Videos courtesy of Prof. Karena Chapman.

Constructing furnace element

Overview of the resistive heating element used in the in situ furnace design.

Flow cell assembly

Step-by-step assembly of the flow cell for in situ measurements.

Furnace assembly

How the furnace body, heating element, and insulation are integrated with the flow cell.

Glass wool loading

Practical tips for packing glass wool to ensure stable and reproducible operation.

For details of the original furnace design, see: Chapman et al., J. Appl. Cryst. (2008).