NANOSTRUCTURE LABORATORY
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CLAY MINERAL AND NANOSTRUCTURE ANALYSIS |
Nanostructure analysis is carried out as a service. Similarly, characterization of the micro-nano-size clay minerals is offered as an analytical service. However, quantitative analysis for clay mineral composition is not offered as a service.
The instrumental methods include:
X-ray diffraction
Two X-ray diffractometers with reflection geometry supplies data for crystalline and semicrystalline minerals in samples. Randomly oriented specimens are used for characterization of non-clay minerals, and oriented, Mg- and K-saturated, air-dry and glycolated specimens are applied for characterization of clay mineral phases.
Mössbauer spectroscopy
A Mössbauer 57Fe spectrometer is applied for characterization of proportions and positions of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in minerals.
Thermal analysis
Differential thermal analysis with quantitative determination of released H2O, CO2 and NH3 is applied for investigation of both crystalline and amorphous phases and for quantitative determination of carbonates and organic matter.
Atomic Force Microscopy
An atomic force microscope is applied for investigation of particle shape of nano-size minerals and for the nano-size surface characteristics (pores and aggregates) of intact rock surfaces at room conditions. The microscope can run in both contact and non-contact mode.
Nitrogen adsorption
Nitrogen adsorption iat liquid nitrogen temperature is applied for measurement of specific surface area by the BET model and for measurement of volume of pores <200 Å diameter (the Gurvitsch volume).
