High Spec Raman Spectrometer Regional Facility

The most common spectroscopic methods for providing chemical fingerprints of molecules and materials are Raman and Infra-red (IR) spectroscopy. Raman and IR spectroscopy are complementary techniques; generally when a material is Raman active it is IR inactive and vice versa. Advantages of using Raman over IR include the minimal sample preparation required, the increased spatial resolution achieved and the fact that analysis of wet samples is possible since water is not significantly Raman active but water features are dominant in IR when present.

Commonly available Raman spectrometers consist generally of one or two laser lines, restricting the type of characterisation that can be carried out. The instrument proposed here will provide a Raman microscope-spectrometer with lasers that cover the spectrum from the deep UV into the Infra-red. This allows the widest range of sample materials to be analysed. Additional features of the proposed system will allow temperature controlled studies, and high speed Raman chemical imaging of large area samples.

By providing chemical fingerprints of materials, Raman spectroscopy, can offer sample identification down to submicron spatial resolutions. Information on sample composition, interactions between materials, distributions within composites, and charge distribution can be provided non-invasively. The programme of work enabled by the proposed facility spans the areas of: energy conversion technologies such as reverse electrodialysis and fuel cells, energy storage (e.g. batteries and supercapacitors), electrocatalysts, nuclear fuel recycling, heterogeneous catalysis, CO2 conversion, forensic analysis, sensors, and biochemistry.

This proposal supports research in applications ranging from energy and electronics through the aerospace and automotive industries. It underpins developments in forensics, smart cities and health. The fields of energy and biotechnology are estimated to contribute nearly £30 billion per annum to the UK, while forensics can act as a crime deterrent and help to reduce the estimated £36 billion (annual) economic cost of crime against individuals and households. The establishment of the proposed Raman facility would enable academia and industry to work on new technologies in the above-mentioned areas. With the demise of the UK Forensic Science Service (FSS), research enabled by this proposal is of interest to the Home Office and UK police forces.

It is envisaged that society will be beneficially impacted by research carried out on materials for energy, which are central to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles offer promise in terms of sustainability and lowering of the carbon footprint. The associated positive environmental impact will be of both economic and societal benefit. The societal impact associated with smart phone technology and proposed health benefits of wearable technologies for health, have all been enabled by research into materials for electronics. Advanced electronic materials provide faster and smaller computing and communications systems are transforming how society lives and works.

The UK electrochemical industry [e.g. Nexeon (developing advanced electrodes for lithium-ion batteries) and Johnson Matthey PLC (developing fuel cell electrodes and battery materials)] would profit from the availability of this facility. In the similar way, a Raman facility such as the one proposed could offer services to UK-based materials manufacturers [such as Haydale Ltd. (plasma functionalised carbons) and Thomas Swan (providing niche advanced materials for emerging technologies in composite, energy and water applications)].

The skills and facilities will be made open for use by other academics and industrial researchers, helping to ensure that the UK stays at the forefront of Raman microscopy research. The associated facilities will be seen and recognised as a valuable resource. Public interaction is key to realising the full impact of the research proposed here; it will increase awareness of the challenges and progress in the applications of Raman spectro-microscopy as well as the wider materials field.