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 sectors 25, 27, 28, and 29 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
Users must include a detailed description of all laboratory work in the “Laboratory Use” section of their ESAF.
If the beamline work is performed outside sectors 25/27/28/29, a separate no-X-ray ESAF is required. Instructions are available here.
Finish Training
Sector orientation training is required before working in the laboratories. Glovebox training (if the glovebox was reserved) is provided in person upon arrival.
Sample Shipping to 437-A020
Please follow the instructions detailed here.
If You Bring Electrical Equipment
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 Lab Infrastructure
- Fume hoods
- Dedicated laboratory benches
- Cold sample storage
Sample Preparation
- Analytical balance
- Hotplates
- Centrifuge
- Ultrasonic bath
- Full set of glassware
Sample Pressing
- Hydraulic Press - Carver 3851-0
– Evacuable die sets: 10 mm
Sample Analysis
- UV–Vis spectrophotometer - UV-2600 Shimadzu (approval required: contact Xiaoyi Zhang)
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-its, markers
Solvents for Cleaning
- Methanol, Ethanol, Isopropanol, Acetone, DI Water
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 cycling equipment is available through Experimental Support Services.
Check the cyclers schedule.
Reserve electrochemical equipment
We also provide access to multiple operando electrochemical cells and sample holders used for beamline experiments. Full documentation is available at echem.xray.aps.anl.gov.