Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D)

Description of Equipment

The University of Mississippi (UM), Chemical Engineering Department, was recently awarded a NSF MRI grant to purchase a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D). The instrument purchased was the Q-Sense analyzer from NanoScience.

This instrument is used to investigate changes to surfaces as a result of adsorption, desorption, deposition, binding, or removal of existing molecules from a surface. It is a key instrument in the development of materials and investigation of unique surfaces and interfaces.

Typical measurements collected from this instrument include surface thickness of films; kinetic rates of deposition or removal of molecules to a surface; and density, shear viscosity and shear elastic modulus of a film.


Figure 1: Q-Sense QCM-D, taken from product information. www.q-sense.com

Specifications of the QCM-D:

  • Frequency Range: 1 - 70 MHz; base frequency 5 MHz with 7 additional frequencies up to the 13th overtone

  • Sampling Rate: 200 data points per second or better for rapid kinetics experiments, for at least one module with one harmonic in operation

  • Maximum mass sensitivity in liquid: 0.5 ng/cm2 or better

  • Maximum dissipation sensitivity in liquid: 0.04 E-06 or better


Modules available for use:

  • Standard flow chambers 4-sensor modules

  • PTFE flow module

  • Humidity module with humidity control in the range 5 - 95%

  • Window module allowing optical access for visual observations such as with a microscope

  • Low and high temperature module with temperature range between 4 - 150 degC

  • Open module to allow studies to be run in stagnant mode


Sensors available for use:

A number of sensors are available for use, but as these are consumables, these may need to be purchased directly from NanoScience. A spin coater is also available so that researchers can prepare their own sensor surfaces on top of standard gold sensors.

Available sensors (while stocks last) include:

  • Standard Gold sensors (may be used for individual sensor preparation as well): QSX 301

  • Cellulose sensors on Silicon Dioxide: QSX 346

  • Hydroxyapatite, HANANO method, on Ti: QSX 327

  • Biotin Functionalized on Gold: QSX 339

  • Borosilicate glass: QSX 336

  • Silicon Dioxide: QSX 303

Want to book the equipment?

See our booking process, associated policies, and timelines here.