nanotechnology
16 Issue 3 2021
Nanosurf introduces a cutting-edge tip-scanning atomic force microscope
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anosurf, a global provider of scanning probe microscopes, has launched the DriveAFM - a highperformance tip-scanning AFM that incorporates innovative technologies. The DriveAFM is designed to achieve highresolution imaging while at the same time allowing researchers to measure large samples. The DriveAFM has an imaging envelope of 100µm × 100µm × 20µm, with an optional 150-µm Z-extension. Nanosurf’s CEO, Urs Matter, stated that, “We are extremely proud of the DriveAFM, which is the culmination of several years of effort by our engineers, and our collaboration with leading research institutions around the world. We wanted to build the best tip-scanning AFM and I believe that is what we have achieved. I foresee the DriveAFM becoming the favourite instrument of many researchers in materials research, life science, and nanotechnology in general.” Technologically, the DriveAFM is designed to deliver optimal performance by combining a low-noise/high-bandwidth controller, a low-noise super-luminescent diode for feedback, and a direct-drive scanner. Another unique feature is the CleanDrive - a photothermal method to actuate the cantilever. Photothermal excitation provides unparalleled stability, and a high excitation bandwidth in air and liquid environments.
These benefits allow measurements at multiple frequencies and high-speed applications. The DriveAFM also boasts full system motorisation: laser and detector alignment, tip approach and sample movement are all managed from the software. This not only contributes to the ease of use, but also allows new possibilities to fully automate the system. James Berwick, Nanosurf’s head of sales added, “The addition of the DriveAFM to our portfolio of instruments is expected to result in significant growth in the coming years. The performance of the DriveAFM will offer comparable performance, and in some modes exceed the best AFMs in the market today, and we expect to be going head-to-head with them in many competitive situations.” Contact the dynamic team at Wirsam Scientific for more information. WIRSAM SCIENTIFIC Marketing Department Tel: (011) 482 1060 marketing@wirsam.com www.wirsam.com
Nanoparticle analysis A
gilent offers instruments and technologies at the forefront of nanoparticle analysis. Due to their widespread use throughout a number of industries including agriculture, household products and manufacturing operations, nanoparticles present an ever-growing emerging issue in the environmental analysis. Their unique properties have led them to be used in consumer segments including healthcare and cosmetics. They are also used in the food supply chain in agricultural products as well as food additives. Nanoparticles are even used in certain types of drug delivery methods. These particles range from 1-100nm in size. To fully understand both the implications and effects of nanoparticles in
water, they need to be accurately characterised in size and elemental composition in the environment. Agilent’s solutions with the ICP-MS and ICP-QQQ provide researchers with powerful, fast and cost-effective tools that facilitate the accurate and reliable NP characterisation, and quantitative analysis. Agilent is sure to have the solution you need, supported by the service from Chemetrix that you deserve. For instance, the 7800 ICP-MS, with optional fast TRA capability, provides a cost-effective solution for single nanoparticle analysis, while the Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ offers highspeed TRA capability and MS/MS mode to remove challenging interferences that affect the measurement of analytes such as titanium and silicon by quadruple ICP-MS. Find out more by going to this link in your browser: https://bit.ly/3tfv29C. CHEMETRIX JHB: (011) 541 9801 CPT: (021) 532 2482 DBN: (031) 276 2245 FAX: (011) 541 9802 CONNECT@chemetrix.co.za
Combining laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis in one instrument
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ith the Sync analyser, Microtrac MRB integrates its highly accurate tri-laser diffraction technology with its versatile image analysis capability to provide particle characterisation practitioners with a unique measuring experience. The patented synchronous measurement technology allows users to make both a laser diffraction measurement and an image analysis measurement on a single sample, in the same sample cell at the same time. • One sample • One optical bench • One flow path • One sample cell • One analysis
well as a multitude of morphological parameters. The patented Blend routine allows users to examine materials over a wide range of sizes from 0.01 microns to 4 000 microns.
VERDER SCIENTIFIC (PTY) LTD Tel: (010) 612 0141 sales@verder-scientific.co.za www.verder-scientific.com
This makes the SYNC ideally suited for routine QC applications. It also provides valuable information to researchers as they develop new materials and processes. The powerful software interface provides both particle size distribution information as
Graphene Raman analyser for carbon nanomaterial characterisation
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raphene is a revolutionary carbon nanomaterial made up of honeycomb carbon atoms known for its unique characteristics and vast number of uses. The BW TEK i-Raman Pro HT is used to quickly and efficiently analyse different carbon nanomaterials, including graphene, demonstrating Metrohm technology’s ability to accurately gather critical information needed by the manufacturers. The i-Raman Pro family of instruments are fully integrated Raman systems with an embedded tablet computer and fibre optic probe sampling, providing real-time quantitation and identification capabilities in a high sensitivity, high resolution portable Raman. Using a high quantum efficiency CCD array detector with deep cooling (-25°C) and high dynamic range, this portable Raman spectrometer delivers excellent signal to noise ratio for applications requiring long integration times. The high
throughput model makes it possible to measure even the slightest Raman signals and detect subtle sample differences. The i-Raman Pro series features the unique combination of wide spectral coverage and high resolution, measuring down to 65cm-1 to up to 4 200cm-1, in a mobile design. The i-Raman Pro can be battery operated for easy portability, giving research grade Raman capabilities for high precision qualitative and quantitative work wherever needed. METROHM SA (PTY) LTD Tel: (011) 656 1918 CPT: (021) 852 0213 DBN: (031) 265 0067 Fax: (011) 656 2698 076 643 7113 info@metrohm.co.za www.metrohm.co.za
