The centerpieces of this laboratory are two Isoprime 100 isotope ratio mass spectrometers. Both instruments are configured for continuous flow sample preparation and can determine the stable isotope compositions of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur of a variety of materials. Our stable isotope laboratory is open to other investigators from both inside and outside of Virginia Tech. If you are in interested in using the stable isotope lab please contact Dr. Rachel Reid for scheduling and current rates for analysis.
Isoprime 100 Gas Source Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and Elementar vario ISOTOPE cube Elemental Analyzer
The first mass spectrometer is interfaced with an Elementar vario ISOTOPE cube elemental analyzer. This instrument can measure the stable isotopes of sulfur (δ34S) in both sulfate and sulfide minerals and features an expanded collector array for more precise analysis of sulfur isotope compositions. This mass spectrometer can also be configured to measure the stable isotope composition of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in bulk organic matter. Analyses are achieved through combustion of the samples in vario ISOTOPE cube, which generates carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas. These gases are then introduced to the mass spectrometer for the analysis of their stable isotope composition.
Isoprime 100 Gas Source Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and MultiFlow-Geo Headspace Analyzer
The second mass spectrometer is interfaced with a MultiFlow-Geo headspace sampler and is primarily configured to analyze the stable isotope composition of carbon and oxygen of carbonate minerals, such a calcite, aragonite and dolomite. This is achieved through the acidification of the carbonate samples at a constant temperature in sealed vials. The acidification produces CO2 gas that is then sampled by the MultiFlow-Geo and introduced into the mass spectrometer for analysis of its stable carbon and oxygen isotope composition.
ELTRA Elementrac CSr Elemental Analyzer
Newly installed in January of 2024, this elemental analyzer alllow us to quantify the carbon and sulfur contents of solid samples. This instrument also has an attached acidification module allows the determination of inorganic carbon contents of solid samples
The wet chemistry laboratory contains two fume hoods, benches and sample storage. This lab has a water distillation system, sulfide distillation lines, drying ovens, a high temperature furance, centrifuge, ball mill, balances and a UV/visible light spectrometer.
Interested students should contact Dr. Benjamin Gill for more information about these graduate opportunities.