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Sample Preparation Facilities for your 
Chemistry Needs

 

SRS Chemistry Laboratory 433-D030

Laboratory Capabilities and Equipment

This basic general chemistry laboratory provides essential infrastructure for researchers carrying out routine chemistry tasks as part of their experimental preparation for synchrotron studies at sector 11 and 17-BM beamlines. The space offers a wide range of tools and resources to support day-to-day experimental needs.

⚠️ Important Details Before Your Visit

Submit ESAF

Each user group coming to this laboratory must include a detailed description of all sample preparation activities in the “Laboratory Use” section of the sector 11 ESAF (ESAF link). 

Users performing sample preparation here for experiments outside sector 11 must also submit a separate no-X-ray sector 78 ESAF describing work done in the sector 11 laboratory. Instructions for creating a no-X-ray ESAF are available here.

Finish Training

Depending on which area you will be working, you must complete the relevant sector orientation. For your convenience, the following trainings are available online: 
– Sector 11 orientation (433-D030)

or
– ESS lab orientation (437-A-020) 

Glovebox training (if a glovebox has been reserved) is provided in person after your arrival.

Sample Shipping to SRS Group

Please follow the shipping instructions detailed here.

If You Bring Electrical Equipment

Request electrical inspection 

During Your Visit

  • Fill out an activity card and keep it in your designated work area.
  • Log each glovebox entry in the glovebox logbook (if using gloveboxes).
  • Keep your bench and fume hood as clean and organized as possible while you work.
  • Keep track of all waste you generate and store it in properly labeled containers.

Before You Leave – Checklist

  • Clean your work area: wipe down benches and fume hoods, remove all samples and labels you no longer need.
  • Return glassware to the appropriate drying racks or shelves, and put tools (spatulas, tweezers, brushes, etc.) back into drawers or designated storage.
  • Ensure all waste containers are properly labeled and the electronic waste form is submitted. You should receive a confirmation email. For details, see waste instructions.
  • If samples or equipment need to be shipped out, arrange shipping and review contents and paperwork with your beamline contact. Shipping guidance is available here.
  • Do a final walk-through of your area and make sure it is ready for the next user.
General chemistry laboratory

General Lab Infrastructure

  • Fume hood
  • Dedicated laboratory benches
  • Cold storage: scientific-grade refrigerator and freezer for sample preservation
Heating Equipment
  • Lindberg Blue M GO1330SA-1 Gravity Oven
  • VWR® Stainless Steel Vacuum Oven
  • Thermo Scientific Thermolyne C1 Industrial Muffle Furnace (240 V)
Sample Pressing
  • Carver 3851-0 Hydraulic Press
    – Evacuable die sets: 10 mm & 13 mm
  • PIKE Technologies Hand Press
    – Evacuable die sets: 3 mm & 7 mm
Sample Preparation 
  • Planetary ball mill
  • Analytical balances
  • Hotplates
  • Centrifuge
  • Ultrasonic bath
  • Full set of glassware
Basic Tools & Supplies
  • Tools: Mortar & pestle, scissors, tweezers, files, brushes, spatulas, pipettes
  • Supplies: Nitrile gloves, Kimwipes, aluminum foil, weighing paper, Scotch tape, electrical tape, Kapton tape, Post-it notes, markers, etc.
Solvents for Cleaning
  • Methanol, Ethanol, Isopropanol, Acetone, DI Water

Air-Sensitive Sample Preparation

Glovebox for air-sensitive sample preparation Air-sensitive sample preparation is available through our Experimental Support Services. We currently offer access to argon- and nitrogen-filled gloveboxes located in multiple laboratories. Check the gloveboxes schedule. 

Argon-Filled Gloveboxes 

Available through electrochemistry Facility 

Check argon-filled gloveboxes details  |  Reserve a glovebox

  • Li-ion battery research – sulfur-free (433-D030)
  • Na-ion battery research – sulfur-free (437-A020)
  • Sulfur-containing Li-ion & Na-ion batteries (433-D030)
  • Solid-state batteries – solvent-free (437-A020) – coming soon
Nitrogen-Filled Gloveboxes

Check nitrogen-filled gloveboxes details  |  Reserve a glovebox

  • Catalyst handling – sulfur-, phosphorus-, and solvent-free (433-A020)
  • General-purpose use (437-A020) 

Electrochemical Testing

Electrochemical cyclers Electrochemical cycling equipment for battery testing is also available through Experimental Support Services.

Check the cyclers schedule for availability and booking. 

We also rent out various electrochemical operando cells and holders. Please visit echem.xray.aps.anl.gov for more information and booking.

If you are unsure which cell or holder is appropriate for your experiment, contact the Electrochemistry Facility staff for guidance.