Our chemistry facilities provide support and instrumentation for a wide range of research projects.
The Mass Spectrometry Facility in the School of Chemistry provides analytical services for researchers within the school, other researchers at the University of Sydney, as well as users outside the University.
There are six mass spectrometers in the Facility and low-resolution and high-resolution spectra can be obtained by most ionisation techniques. Two instruments are jointly administered with other departments.
Bookings to use the facility should be made in SydneyFMS.
For enquiries, contact Dr Nick Proschogo.
The amaZon is a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer obtained in 2015. The mass range of this instrument is m/z 50-4000 and the ion trap is ideally suited for MS/MS and MSn experiments with fast polarity switching. Ionisation modes available include ESI, APCI (liquid and direct probe), APPI (liquid and direct probe), online nanospray source (Captivespray nanoBooster source) and a home-built offline nanospray source. The mass spectrometer can be connected to a Waters Acquity UPLC H-Class with UV detector.
The Agilent 5977B is a quadrupole mass spectrometer obtained in 2023 with a mass range of m/z 10-650 in full scan or selective ion mode. Ionisation modes are only EI. The mass spectrometer is connected to an Agilent 8890 GC and Agilent 8697 headspace autosampler which can perform automated liquid injections (up to 150 in 2mL vials), automated headspace injections (up to 48 in 10mL or 20mL vials), manual headspace and manual SPME injections.
The Clarus SQ 8 C is a quadrupole mass spectrometer obtained in 2016 with a mass range of m/z 4-1000 in full scan or selective ion mode. Ionisation modes include EI and CI using methane as the reactive gas. The mass spectrometer is connected to a Clarus 680 GC which can perform automated liquid injections, manual headspace and manual SPME injections. It is equipped with a Frontier Lab Single-Shot and Multi-Shot Pyrolyzer which is jointly managed with Sydney Analytical and usually configured to run with the Pyrolyzer.
This Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization – Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer was obtained in 2015. This instrument can operate in linear (1-300,000 Da) or reflectron mode. The mass spectrometer is equipped with a TLC-MALDI holder and flexImaging software to allow MALDI-imaging experiments for TLC/tissue samples prepared in Sydney Mass Spectrometry. It is capable of performing high energy MS/MS experiments using post-source decay either with or without a collision cell. Polymerix software to aid in co-polymer interpretation and biotools for proteomic analysis are also available.
The 7 Tesla FTICR was commissioned in late 2018. This high resolution (450,000 @ 1 Hz and 400 m/z, 20,000,000 maximum resolving power) instrument has an actively shielded, refrigerated superconducting magnet allowing a mass accuracy of 600 ppb. It is equipped with an ESI/MALDI dual source and has a nanospray (Captivespray nanoBooster source), a home-built offline nanospray source, APCI and APPI (dissolved and solid probe) ionisation methods either via syringe infusion or connection with a Waters Acquity UPLC H-Class with PDA detector. Fragmentation options include CID (in source, in collision cell or in ICR cell), ECD and ETD. SciLS software is available to allow visualisation of MALDI-FTMS imaging experiments for TLC/tissue samples prepared in Sydney Mass Spectrometry.
The Perkin Elmer 550 Max Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy arrived in 2024 for the School of Geosciences. It is an instrument used to measure bulk concentrations of metals and some non-metals. This instrument is setup to handle liquid samples; therefore most samples will require pre-treatment/acid digestion and/or dilution prior to analysis. Sample preparation facilities, including microwave digestor and autodilutors are available to assist with this. The benefits of this instrument include rapid multi element quantitative analysis, simultaneous detection of multiple wavelength, and a wide dynamic range. It is equipped with a 180-sample position autosampler for 10mL sample tubes.
The Perkin Elmer Nexion 2200 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer is arriving in 2025 for the School of Geosciences. It is an instrument used to measure trace concentrations of metals and some non-metals. This instrument is setup to handle liquid samples; therefore most samples will require pre-treatment/acid digestion and/or dilution prior to analysis. Sample preparation facilities, including microwave digestor and autodilutors are available to assist with this. The benefits of this instrument include rapid multi element quantitative analysis, very low limits of detection, isotopic analysis and a wide dynamic range. It is equipped with universal cell technology and has Kinetic Energy Discrimination (KED) available to allow removal of molecular interferences. It is equipped with a 180-sample position autosampler for 10mL sample tubes.
The Perkin Elmer Nexion 2000B Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer was purchased and commissioned in 2018 by Sydney Nano, and is jointly administered between Sydney Nano and the School of Chemistry. It is an instrument used to measure trace concentrations of metals and some non-metals. This instrument is set-up to primarily handle nanoparticles (characterisation of particle size distributions), cell culture samples (determination of attogram abundance of a metal in individual cells) or bacteria cultures. It is equipped with an ESI SC-µ DX autosampler capable of running samples off a 96 well plate or 2 mL tubes.
The CN802 combustion analyser arrived in 2023 for the School of Geosciences. It is an instrument that allows for carbon and nitrogen determination in a wide variety of solid and some liquid based samples. Equipped with a 58 plate autosampler it has a limit of detection of 0.01 mg C using a non dispersive infrared detector and 0.01 mg N with a thermal conductivity detector. Depending on the method and sample preparation it can be used to determine % protein and total organic carbon.
The Malvern Mastersizer 3000 arrived in 2021 for the School of Geosciences. It measures the particle size of individual particles from 10 nm – 3.5 mm in diameter. This instrument is set-up to use for wet samples the Hydro LV cell is connected to the instrument. Wet sediment samples usually require pre-treatment with hydrogen peroxide and dispersant with either interaction with a sonic probe or mixing overnight with an orbital shaker.
The Mass Spectrometry Facility provides analytical services for organic compounds, biochemical compounds and organo-metallic compounds. To submit a sample, please fill out the Sample Submission Form (28KB, pdf) and send it with the sample to the Mass Spectrometry Facility, Room 223, Madsen Building, F09 The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006 by mail or in person.
To obtain a mass spectrum, the sample must first be ionized. The ionization techniques available in the Unit are EI, CI, MALDI, ESI and APCI at present. Each technique has its own advantages and limitations. Please consult the staff in the facility if you cannot decide which of the techniques would be suitable for your sample.
Samples should be submitted in a sample screw-cap vial or 1.5 mL Eppendorf tube labelled with a sample identification code. About 0.1 mg to 1 mg of solid or liquid samples is required. For normal EI or CI MS, solvent free and pure samples are preferred because solvents or impurities may suppress the peaks of interests and complicate the structure analysis. For MALDI, ESI, APCI, GC/MS or LC/MS, please specify solvent. For samples requiring GC/MS analysis, a GC trace and the column conditions should be provided, if possible.
For ICPOES/ICPMS/Carbon Nitrogen analysis and particle size characterisation, please contact Dr Nick Proschogo.
The charges (per sample) for services performed by the Mass Spectrometry Facility are listed below:
|
School of Chemistry |
The University of Sydney |
Non-University of Sydney |
Low resolution ESI/APCI/APPI/Solid probe/EI/CI/GCMS |
$15 |
$30 |
$60 |
Pyrolysis GCMS |
$30 |
$30 |
$60 |
Low resolution MALDI |
$20 |
$40 |
$75 |
High Resolution (Accurate Mass) ESI/APCI/APPI/Solid Probe/MALDI1 |
$50 |
$75 |
$100 |
Particle Size Characterization2 |
$5 |
$10 |
$20 |
ICPOES2 |
$2.50 |
$5 |
$10 |
ICPMS2 |
$5 | $10 |
$20 |
Carbon/Nitrogen |
$15 |
$15 |
$30 |
1Special rates will also apply for investigators involved in the ARC LIEF grant used to obtain the FTICR.
2Particle Size Characterization, ICPOES and NexION 2200 School of Chemistry price is also for School of Geosciences. NexION 2000B School of Chemistry price is also for all members of Sydney Nano and this cost does not include calibration standards required for analysis.
Other services such as extensive sample preparation, data interpretation, LC/MS, MS/MS, MALDI imaging etc. will be charged by the hour in negotiation with Mass Spectrometry staff. External invoices will include an additional 10% GST charge. The costs of analysis may be discussed with the staff of the Mass Spectrometry Facility.
Non-University of Sydney charges apply to all external users, whether affiliated with the School/University or not. They also apply to any contract research or consultative work performed by members of the School or University. If in doubt, it may be discussed with the staff of the Mass Spectrometry Facility.
The charges (per hour) for instrument hire performed in the Mass Spectrometry Facility are listed below:
|
School of Chemistry |
The University of Sydney |
Non-University of Sydney |
Low resolution ESI MS |
$0/h |
$30/h |
$60/h |
Low resolution APCI/APPI/Solid probe/EI/CI/LCMS/GCMS |
$15/h |
$30/h |
$60/h |
Pyrolysis GCMS |
$30/sample |
$30/sample |
$60/sample |
Low resolution MALDI |
$20/h |
$40/h |
$75/h |
High Resolution (Accurate Mass) ESI/APCI/APPI/Solid Probe/MALDI1 |
$50/h |
$75/h |
$100/h |
Particle Size Characterization2 |
$5/sample |
$10/sample |
$20/sample |
ICPOES2 |
$2.50/sample |
$5/sample |
$10/sample |
ICPMS2 |
$5/sample |
$10/sample |
$20/sample |
Carbon/Nitrogen |
$5/sample |
$5/sample |
$10/sample |
Muffle Furnace/Drying oven2 |
$0/h |
$1/h during business hours |
$2/h during business hours |
Freeze Dryer2 |
$0/h |
$0.50/h during business hours |
$1/h during business hours |
1Special rates will also apply for investigators involved in the ARC LIEF grant used to obtain the FTICR.
2Particle Size Characterization, Oven, Freeze Dryer, ICPOES, NexION 2200 School of Chemistry price is also for School of Geosciences. NexION 2000B School of Chemistry price is also for all members of Sydney Nano and this cost does not include calibration standards required for analysis.
The separations facility provides chromatography support and instrumentation for a wide range of research projects. We also offer technical and analytical consulting services as well.
Bookings to use the facility should be made in SydneyFMS.
For enquiries, contact Dr Cody Szczepina.
Available for automated analysis and separation of complex mixtures in quantities ranging from milligram to gram scale.
Types of separation techniques available:
Provides high throughput analysis including separation of mixtures and mass data of each component.
School of Chemistry users, please log in via the HPLC Separation Facility website.
Note: All users must be trained and certified before use.
The primary role of the Thermophysical Properties Facility (TPF) is to provide research support to School of Chemistry staff and students. TPF services are also available to external clients.
The TPF operates a number of specialist instruments capable of measuring diverse physical properties over a large range of temperatures including Magnetic Susceptibility, Heat Capacity, Electrical Resistivity, ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry.
TPF staff provide a range of consulting services, technical assistance and training. Samples can be submitted for a range of magnetic or calorimetric measurements.
Bookings to use the facility should be made in SydneyFMS.
For enquiries, email us at: chemistry.tpf@sydney.edu.au.
This system has an ultra-low temperature capability with regular sample measurement from 2 K to 400 K in magnetic fields up to 9 T. It can be used with the following accessories: Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), VSM oven (measurement from 350 K to 1,000 K), Fibre Optic Sample Holder (FOSH) for VSM, AC Magnetic Susceptibility (ACMS), Heat Capacity, Resistivity, Thermal Transport, Horizontal Rotator, Torque Magnetometer, Dilatometer (10 K to 400 K) and Electrical Transport. The Heat Capacity accessory can be used from 50 mK to 4 K with the 3He/4He dilution refrigerator option.
This system has sample measurement from 50 to 400 K in magnetic fields up to 3 T with a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), a VSM oven (measurement from 350 K to 1,000 K) and AC Transport options.
The instrument is capable of collecting sample mass change from ambient to 1,200 °C using an IR furnace with a 4 channel gas blending system (nitrogen, air, argon and carbon dioxide mixing) and 0.01 mg resolution. Uses platinum and alumina pans.
This instrument has a measurement range from -150 °C to 700 °C and is equipped with dual cooling functionality (liquid nitrogen dewar and intracooler), a sample changing robot with controlled atmosphere storage trays (samples held under nitrogen gas) and a sample piercing option. The instrument can be used to measure heat flow in a sample which can yield information about glass transition temperatures, melting and crystallisation events, oxidative stability and much more. Has TOPEM (modulated DSC) capability and measurement under air and nitrogen. Other gases available upon request. Many sample pan types (aluminium, alumina, copper, gold, platinum, medium pressure, high pressure) are available for use.
This instrument is capable of collecting simultaneous sample mass change and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA and DSC) from ambient to 1,500 °C with a 4 channel gas blending system (nitrogen, air, argon and carbon dioxide mixing) and 200 mg maximum weight capacity. Uses platinum and alumina pans.
The instrument can be equipped with either liquid nitrogen cooling (-180 °C to 400 °C) or an intracooler (-80 to 400 °C). It has an uncovered sample changing robot. This instrument can be used to measure heat flow in a sample which can yield information about glass transition temperatures, melting and crystallisation events, oxidative stability and much more. Has modulated DSC capability and measurement under air and nitrogen. A microscope can be mounted to record sample change across the whole temperature range. Several sample pan types (Tzero aluminium and high pressure) are available for use.
A high sensitivity differential scanning calorimeter for liquids. It has temperature control from -10 °C to 130 °C and can accommodate low sample volumes (platinum capillary requires 500 mL of sample). Comes equipped with a 2 x 96 well autosampler.
This instrument has a measurement range from 2 to 80 °C and is used to study low volume, in solution biomolecular interactions.
Used to measure the flow properties of liquids and dispersions. Comes equipped with a Peltier stage with temperature control from -20 °C to 200 °C and a magnetic measurement stage (up to 1.3 T applied field). Flat plate, cone and concentric geometries are available.
Can do simultaneous TGA and DSC measurements from 25 °C to 1600 °C using a SiC furnace in nitrogen, air, argon and carbon dioxide, from 25 °C to 1400 °C in vacuum and steam from 120 °C to 1450 °C. A copper furnace can be equipped to measure relative humidity from about 30 °C to 85 °C. Evolved gases from the SiC furnace can be measured using simultaneous mass spectrometry and FTIR. The Aëolos Mass Spectrometer has a transfer line heated up to 300 °C, 1-512 amu range, < 100 ppb detection limit, 0.5 to 1.5 amu resolution and NIST database. The Bruker Invenio R FTIR has a wide mid and far infrared spectral range for gas phase detection and a Transit Platinum ATR with a wide mid and far infrared measurement channel for solids. Comes with Bruker and NIST libraries for ATR and gas phases.
The facility operates on a subsidised cost recovery basis for Australian academic and government clients, and on a full cost recovery basis for others. Instrument charges are per peak hour, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m, Monday to Sunday (except for the Dynacool). Overnight (5 p.m. – 9 a.m.) costs the same as two peak hours. Charges listed below are for instrument use only. Staff Scientist time for training in the use of the instruments and services such as running your samples for you, filling liquid nitrogen dewars, etc. will be charged at $50/h for University of Sydney users and $100/h for external clients.
|
School of Chemistry |
University of Sydney |
External |
Dynacool (daily) |
$200 |
$300 |
$550 |
Dynacool (hourly - one hour maximum) |
$100 |
$150 |
$275 |
Versalab |
$20 |
$40 |
$60 |
Discovery TGA |
$9 |
$15 |
$30 |
Mettler Toledo DSC5+ |
$30 |
$30 |
$60 |
TA Instruments SDT650 |
$30 |
$30 |
$60 |
TA Instruments DSC2500 |
$30 |
$30 |
$60 |
TA Instruments Nano DSC |
$30 |
$30 |
$60 |
MicroCal ITC200 |
$9 |
$15 |
$30 |
Anton Paar Rheometer 302e |
$50 |
$50 |
$100 |
Netzsch STA Jupiter 505 (incl. MS and FTIR) |
$30 |
$30 |
$60 |
PPMS VSM sample tubes are $11 each, standard 40 mL aluminium DSC pans are $10 each, alumina SDT650 pans are $30 each. Other sample pans charged at cost.
Some DSC measurements require liquid nitrogen. One 50 L dewar will support several measurements and costs $50 for University of Sydney users and $100 for external users.
All charges apply regardless of the "success" of the experiment.
The Jasper High Performance Computing Facility provides specialised computational resources dedicated to supporting the theoretical and experimental chemistry community at the School of Chemistry and other associated users.
This facility provides computational resources to perform sophisticated data analysis, with further details at the ASC webpage (link requires VPN Access). If you are external to the university, access to these facilities must be in collaboration with an existing School of Chemistry researcher.
Consultation about various computational and software programming methods is also available by requesting support from TSS Team D.
The facility currently consists of a single High Performance Computer with 168 CPU cores, 1.5TB RAM, 50 TB SSD storage, a Nvidia Ampere A30 GPU and 10 GbE networking.
This server is hosted in the ASC High Peformance Computing Facility as part of the ASC PBS Cluster which is managed by TSS Team D as covered by the services listed at this link.
Numerous chemistry simulation packages are currently installed on the HPC cluster and requests can be made to install additional software.
Further details and training resources can be found at the ASC HPC Facility website (link requires VPN access).
