Capabilities
Clean lab research capabilities
Key instrumentation
Agilent 7900 SQ-ICP-MS
Our Agilent 7900 SQ-ICP-MS is a high-sensitivity quadrupole mass spectrometer configured for trace/ultra-trace element analyses and select isotopic analyses (e.g. U-series isotopes). Peripherals include a low-contaminant dry vacuum pump (Kashiyama NeoDry) and an enclosed SPS-4 autosampler for demanding applications (e.g. trace metals in water and mineral separates), as well as advanced valve system (Agilent AVS), advanced dilution system (ADS-2), UHMI (ultra-high matrix introduction), and laser connection options.
Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ
Our Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ is an ultra-high sensitivity triple quadrupole mass spectrometer configured for ultra-trace element analyses and isotope ratio determination, enabled by collision-reaction-cell technology. Peripherals include a low contaminant dry vacuum pump (Kashiyama NeoDry), an enclosed ESI SC-4DX autosampler for minimum mass and contaminant minimised sample instruction, as well as UHMI (ultra-high matrix introduction) and laser connection options.
Nu Attom HR-ICP-MS
The Nu Instruments Attom HR-ICP-MS is a double-focusing instrument that allows for rapid and precise analysis of isotope ratios. This instrument is predominantly used for in situ U-Pb geochronology.
Nu Sapphire CRC-MC-ICP-MS (customised with additional IC and Daly detectors)
The Nu Instruments Sapphire CRC-MC-ICPMS allows for high-resolution, simultaneous analysis of isotopes, from Lithium to Uranium. This instrument is currently capable of a wide range of isotopic analyses, including Sr, Nd, Hf, Pb, Mg, Fe and Ca.
Our Nu Sapphire is an affiliate instrument to the University of Melbourne TrACEES analytical platform (Geo Node).
Nu Plasma HR MC-ICP-MS (customised with additional ESA)
The Nu Instruments Plasma HR-MC-ICP-MS “Nu80” is the only one of its kind in the world. Equipped with an extra ESA after the main collector block. This instrument is currently dedicated to high-precision analysis of U-Pb and U-Th for geochronology applications.
Key equipment and instrument peripherals
ESI prepFAST-MC
The prepFAST-MC is an automated Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEC) platform. It is capable of processing up to 48 samples in a 24-hour period for the chemical isolation, pre-concentration, and/or dilution of samples for subsequent isotopic analyses (e.g. Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, Pb); it can accept various sample types (e.g. aqueous, mineral, whole rock, biological), even in strong acid media.
ESI microFAST Isotope-2
The Isotope 2 is a high-precision syringe-driven enclosed autosampler specifically for isotope ratio determination. It allows for steady introduction of the sample uptake to the instrument, optional automated vial closure removal, and user-defined pseudo-dilution/concentration via prescriptive injection rates.
Excimer laser ablation systems (2x - applied spectra, ASI)
These 193nm, laser ablation systems be coupled with any of the four co-located ICP-MS (Sapphire, Attom, 8900, 7900) for in situ elemental and isotopic analyses.
Thermo Fisher Dionex Inuvion
The Inuvion is a high-pressure ion chromatography (HPIC) system for high-speed separation of aqueous samples for major/minor cation and anion determination, with simultaneous chromatographic separation for subsequent isotopic analyses (e.g. Li, Mg, K, Ca, Rb, Sr).
Desolvating Nebuliser Systems (DNS)
We host a variety of DNS, including a Cetac Aridus I and Aridus III, 3x Nu DSN-100, and an ESI Apex Omega HF (in-line with Isotope-2).
Sample preparation
We host three ISO-specification geochemistry clean laboratories and one geochemistry dry lab for sample preparation under highly controlled conditions for subsequent trace/ultra-trace elemental and isotopic analyses. Common sample preparations include: partial sample digestion (e.g. soil/sediment leaching), total sample digestion (hotplate or pressurised strong acid digestion), ion exchange chromatography and dilution for solution-based analyses, sample inspection for laser ablation analyses.
Collaborate with us
For collaboration, research and analytical enquiries, please reach out to us!