Laboratory

The Environmental Interfacial Chemistry (EIC) Group has two modern research facilities with over 2,000 square feet of laboratory space at the Villanova University Drosdick Hall 042 and 042D. The EIC group research facilities are equipped with: a) an anaerobic glove box (Coy Laboratory Products Inc.); b) a CM tube furnace (model 1600) with a temperature controller for char production; c) a two-probe conductivity cell designed by PI Xu for conductivity measurements of produced chars; and d) a Model 600E series Electrochemical Analyzer/Workstation that is available for general purpose electrochemical measurements. Other laboratory features include fume hoods, ovens, a muffle furnace, pH and dissolved oxygen meters, bench-scale processes reactors, ozone generator, a Soxhlet extraction apparatus, a temperature- controlled water bath, and a centrifuge. 

Dr. Xu’s research facilities are also equipped with analytical instruments: one Agilent 6546 LC/Q-TOF, one Agilent 6495D Triple Quadrupole LC/MS, one Agilent 7010D Triple Quadrupole GC/MS, two Hewlett Packard Agilent 6890 Gas Chromatography (GC) with two detectors, where (i) one has a Mass Spectrophotometer detector (GC-MS) with electron ionization and chemical ionization capabilities and (ii) the other has a dual-port injection system coupled with a micro- electron capture detector (GC-µECD) and a flame ionization detector (GC-FID); two Shimadzu Ion Chromatography (IC) with conductivity detectors; one Shimadzu High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Photodiode-Array (PDA) detector; and a Thermo Scientific Dionex Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) system for solid and semi-solid sample compound extraction.

Dr. Xu also has full access to other instruments available at Villanova University, specifically those housed by: (i) VU Department of Chemistry: a 3200 QTRAP® LC-MS/MS System LC-MS, and a TripleTOF® 5600+ LC-MS System for product identification; and (ii) VU College of Engineering: Hitachi S-4800 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with an Oxford energy dispersive spectroscopy system (EDS) System; Hitachi H-7600 transmission electron microscope (TEM) for topography, structure, and chemical composition characterization; and an Autosorb-3B (QuantachromeInstruments).

  • An Agilent 6546 Liquid Chromatography- Quadrupole Time-ofFlight (LC/QToF) mass spectrometer combines the ion selection properties of a quadrupole with the high mass resolution and accuracy of a ToF in a single system. It is ideal for small molecule applications and screening in environmental analyses. Isotope fidelity, high dynamic range and high resolution independent of the acquisition rate also provide excellent spectra quality in datadependent analysis (DDA) and dataindependent analysis (DIA) workflows. The calibrant delivery system allows for tuning, calibration and internal reference mass delivery, all accessible remotely. Together with vent-free capillary removal it ensures highest instrument uptime

  • An Agilent 6495D Liquid Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole LC/MS (LC/TQ) system is an ultrahigh-performance system built for research and testing labs investigating large batches of samples. Equipped with the latest, innovative iFunnel technology, this LC/MS/MS achieves ppq-level detection limits for the most challenging analytes in heavy matrix, for example in environmental analysis, while providing high precision at sub-millisecond dwell times. Ultimate mass spectrometry performance is complemented by built-in instrument intelligence designed for demanding, nonstop routine analysis. Features including AI-based SWARM tuning, VacShield, early maintenance feedback (EMF) dashboard, scheduled tune, and intelligent reflex ensure that the system stays productive longer at peak performance, giving you peace of mind and improving the bottom line of our research

More about our facility

  • An Agilent 7010D triple quadrupole GC/MS redefines high-end GC/TQ performance. Featuring the HES 2.0 ion source, it achieves ultratrace-level limits of detection, while heated gold quadrupoles and Agilent JetClean ion source deliver performance and uptime that are second-to-none. Designed for applications requiring the utmost sensitivity, such as environmental contaminants or pharmaceutical impurities assessment, the 7010D delivers unparalleled results with remarkable uptime.