From the Bottom Up

Nano Capabilities

A picture is worth a thousand words, but in nanoscience a picture can be a revelation. Nanotechnology is unusual because molecules and particles can self-assemble to form new materials. Materials at the nanoscale level exhibit different properties than they do at the macro, or everyday, level.

We combine state-of-the-art imaging techniques with elemental/atomic structure analysis to reveal the most in-depth and comprehensive information. Our experts view and characterize these materials to help support manufacturing at any scale by revealing insights into particle structures that were previously unobtainable through conventional microscopy and spectroscopy. The subsequent characterization of these materials paves the way in determining new applications for the future.

Building for the Future

Nanocharacterization

RJ Lee Group experts use electron microscopy, diffraction and spectroscopy techniques to measure size, determine morphology and agglomeration state, elemental composition and the structures of new materials at the nanoscale. We work in collaboration with industry, government and academia to characterize nanoparticles and to prepare for their regulation. Our services also support global R&D and manufacturing development and include:

Environmental Health and Safety

  • handling, processing and creation of nanomaterials
  • environmental contamination

Quality Control

  • confirmation of size, shape, elemental composition and surface characteristics of nanoparticles and nanomaterials
  • investigations for uniformity, thickness, agglomeration tendencies and consistency of nanoparticles

Applications

  • advanced drug-delivery systems
  • architectural, aerospace and automotive coatings
  • semiconductors (structural and electrical properties)
  • catalyst materials
  • carbon nanotubes (CNTs)

State-of-the-art instrumentation and the quality of our sample preparation are elements in our nano toolbox that set us apart. The correct sample preparation, using the right technique and expert analyses lead to quality results. The instruments that we use to obtain information in the nano world include:

  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM)
  • Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
  • Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
  • X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
  • X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
  • Raman Spectroscopy