We are a dedicated analytical chemistry group at UND. We specialize in gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, air particulate matter, and carbon quantification in biomass. As a diverse group of 7 graduate students and a post-doc from five different countries, we gain bountiful theoretical and hands-on experience in our lab. Operating and maintaining our own instruments prepares us and has landed previous students in major chemical/analytical companies.
Thermal-desorption/pyrolysis GC-MS uses an inert atmosphere to pyrolyze almost any material, which is then introduced into the GC system to be identified with mass spectrometry. We are currently investigating environmental topics such as the breakdown and formation PFAS and PAHs.
High-resolution HPLC time-of-flight mass spectrometry uses atmospheric pressure ionization to create accurate mass measurements and reveal isotopic patterns for identification. A collaborative project with the forensics department allows us to investigate controlled substances in addition to our other polymeric material research.
Gel permeation chromatography coupled with multi-angle light scattering enables absolute molecular weight determination of polymeric materials. Our lab investigates polymer degradation and biopolymer characterization with this instrument.