The SAC platform offers high-level expertise in determining the elemental composition and molecular structure of materials. Using cutting-edge technologies in plasma spectrometry and vibrational spectroscopy, we support researchers and industrial partners in analyzing complex matrices (liquid, solid, or gaseous).
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectrometry
ICP is the reference technique for multi-element analysis. It enables simultaneous quantification of major, minor, and trace elements with extreme sensitivity.
- Performance: Detection limit in the ppb (μg/L) range.
- Matrices analyzed: * Liquid solutions (water, brines) after dilution.
- Solid samples (powders, rocks, plants) after alkaline fusion or acid dissolution.
Available Equipment
- Agilent Technologies 7800 ICP-MS: For maximum sensitivity on trace elements.
- Horiba Scientific Activa ICP-AES: Ideal for analyzing major and minor elements.
Vibrational Spectroscopy (Raman & FTIR)
This non-destructive method enables identification of the chemical nature and structure of materials by analyzing their intermolecular bonds.
- Versatility: Analysis of solid, liquid, or gaseous samples.
- Measurement modes:
- Ex-situ: Via non-intrusive optical probe or microscope connection.
- In-situ: Real-time monitoring using an immersion probe (superhead module) capable of withstanding extreme conditions (up to 30 MPa and 300°C).
Available Equipment
- Horiba Jobin Yvon iHR550 Confocal Raman Microscope: High resolution for complex structural analyses.
- Horiba Jobin Yvon XploRA Confocal Raman Microscope: Versatility and rapid analysis.
- Bruker Vertex 70 Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer: Precise characterization of chemical functional groups.
Application areas
The SAC platform operates in various sectors requiring rigorous chemical traceability:
- Environment & Geosciences: Analysis of water, soils, and minerals.
- Energy & Chemistry: In-situ reaction monitoring, fuel analysis.
- Health & Pharmaceuticals: Compound purity and contaminant identification.
📞 Contact and access
The ESMAT platform is open to academic collaborations and industrial services.
Location
Mines Saint-Étienne – Saint-Étienne Campus, 158 cours Fauriel, Saint-Étienne