Information

The Integrated Materials Characterization Laboratory (INMALAB) was created to offer an integral service for the assessment and scientific analysis of specialized materials for application in energy, environmental, biotechnological, geological and heritage protection systems, among others.

INMALAB consists of four main materials characterization systems, which offer the following scientific-technical services:

1) High-resolution electron microscopy (SEM): Electron microphotography with SE/BSE/CL/EDS/EBSD detectors, electrical characterization and EBIC. Preparation of polished inorganic samples, and carbon or gold coating.

2) X-ray diffraction (XRD) for analysis of solid samples: X-ray diffraction, reflectometry, SAXS and micro-diffraction measurements. Sample preparation. Qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis, including Rietveld refinement, texture, stress, and determination of layer thickness.

3) X-ray fluorescence (XRF): Qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of solid and liquid samples. Major elements and trace elements determination, sample preparation (powder, pressed tablets, beads, liquids, and the possibility of in-the-field analysis with portable equipment.

4) Time-resolved ultraviolet/visible fluorescence (TRF) for characterization of solid and liquid samples. Stationary fluorescence spectra; time-resolved fluorescence and phosphorescence decays; temperature-dependent measurements; measurements under high vacuum; determination of quantum yields.

General services: Advice on sample preparation for the different techniques. Advice on the optimal equipment configuration to obtain the desired results. Advice on data processing and analysis.

Two types of report may be issued:

• Technical report, which includes the sample preparation procedure, the equipment configuration used for the measurements, and the analysis of results in the form of tables and graphs (photomicrographs, diffractograms, etc.). The technical report will be unique and specific for each of the 4 techniques: SEM, XRD, XRF or TRF.
• Scientific-technical report, which contains the same information as the technical report, but will also include a scientific evaluation and interpretation of the results. This type of report may combine results from several of the techniques (SEM, XRD, XRF and TRF) in the same report, as well as a global assessment of the results for a given sample or family of samples.