Day 8- Precise and Intense Heat

Today, we viewed the graphene sample under a Scanning Electron Microscope ( SEM) , which was prepared yesterday on the functionalised silicon chip. It was the first time that we have seen how an electron microscope is operated and the program that runs it , therefore it expands our knowledge of microscopy . We learnt that a beam of electrons will be fired onto the samples from the electron gun positioned directly above , such that a black-and-white image is shown for analysis.

Electron microscope ( at the left)

Viewing the image captured by the SEM on screen

The program for the SEM 

The dials and buttons for controlling mechanical parts of the SEM 

The records of the observation for the 2 hour session

Use the equipment with caution!

After that, we went for a break before proceeding to the Clean Room, which stimulates the kind of environment in the Semiconductor manufacturing industry, in which the samples are sensitive to dust and foreign particles. Therefore, there is a stringent code of conduct for our attire when we wanted to go into the room for heating the chips at a high temperature. We have to wear protective smocks, hair net , gloves, face mask as well as shoe covering.

The Cleanroom which we have visited 

The shelf where the accessories are collected

Before                                                                           After 

In the Clean Room 

Pre-heating the tube in progress

The furnace heating up ...

HOT!!! 

The chips in the tube

Heating up the chips 

Notice how high the temperature( in degree Celsius) can get !

Top temp. : Actual

Bottom temp. : Based on settings 

Mixture of argon and ethanol vapor ( the liquid ethanol vapourises) passing through the tube

Carbon residue after heating

Well, after the chips have been heated, these will be observed under the SEM once again to obtain more images for analysis . From here, we have decided to call it a day .

Once again , here's another trivial question of the day !

What is the synonym of 'Pyrophoric' ?

 

The answer can be found within this poster :

The Globally Harmonised System ( GHS) shows the pictograms of the risks that we might face in a laboratory , some of which we are most familiar with would be : Corrosive, Flammable and Toxic .

In order not to get harmed , there is a need for us to understand what are the risks involved in every task that we do ( for e.g : mixing a strong acid with water, which may cause an explosion) and to plan accordingly . Safety is indeed a virtue in the field of research , and that has been widely advocated by NTU alone.