Following award of EPSRC funding, UoS requires a Multi-wavelength Raman Spectrometer Microscope as a state of the art capability for both academia and industry working on advanced materials for energy and electronics, forensic and bio-related research. The programme of work this new facility will enable spans the areas of: Energy conversion technologies such as reverse electro-dialysis and fuel cells, energy storage (e.g. batteries and super-capacitors), electro-catalysts, nuclear fuel recycling, heterogeneous catalysis, CO2 conversion, forensic analysis, sensors, and biochemistry.

In order to address the growing international importance of UV-Raman spectroscopy, we are seeking a Raman spectrometer with a deep UV laser. To allow variable temperature Raman studies to be performed for applications including high temperature fuel cells and the chemistry of polymer curing we are seeking a spectrometer with an in-built temperature programmable stage. This spectrometer will also make possible high speed scanning of large area samples that are of industrial relevance. This increase in scale of the sample sizes will allow characterisation to progress from lab-scale research samples (TRL levels 1-2) up to prototype devices (TRL levels 3-4 and higher).

The high-quality spectral data, spectral mapping and Raman imaging (both in 2D and 3D) that this instrument will produce (combined with in-situ electro-chemistry and temperature measurements) will supplement high impact publications and patent applications by key users.