Acquisition of a Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer/Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer for Undergraduate Research in the Physical Sciences

在主要研究仪器(MRI)计划的支持下，休斯顿大学市中心校区的化学系将获得一台同步热分析仪-四极质谱计(STA-QMS)仪器。UHD目前正在进行的利用STA-QMS的具体科学研究包括：1)聚合物的相结构和转变，2)对天然和合成黑铁矿的热机械性质的组成影响，3)与矿床相关的流体包裹体中挥发性物种的测定，以及4)含油岩石的热性质测定。该仪器提供准确的固体重量损失或重量增加数据，同时测量产品气体的浓度，以提供工艺评估所需的动力学数据。这些研究将有助于确定用于发电的先进材料。

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Houston - Downtown Campus will acquire a simultaneous thermal analyzer - quadrupole mass spectrometer (STA-QMS) instrument. Specific scientific studies currently underway at UHD that will utilize an STA-QMS include: 1) phase structure and transitions in polymers, 2) compositional effects on the thermomechanical properties of natural and synthetic obsidians, 3) determination of volatile species in fluid inclusions related to ore deposits, and 4) determination of the thermal properties of oil bearing rocks.Integrating the thermal analyzer with mass spectrometry results in a powerful analytical tool for characterizing thermal decomposition. The instrument provides accurate weight loss or weight gain data of solids while simultaneously measuring the concentrations of the product gases to provide kinetic data needed for process evaluation. These studies will help to identify advanced materials for energy generation.