Chemical Crystallography Laboratory

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Macro photo of instrument used in UNSW Chemical Crystallography lab

Who we are

Our facility specialises in single-crystal X-ray diffraction, offering crystal structure determination services to researchers at UNSW and external institutions. We are equipped with two Bruker diffractometers, APEXII (Mo source) and D8-Quest (high x-ray flux Cu source). Both are integrated with Oxford Cryosystems for temperature-controlled measurements ranging from 80K to 400K.

We provide a comprehensive suite of services, including:

  • Crystal structural analysis
  • Determination of absolute configurations of chiral molecules
  • Student training program
  • Validated crystallographic information files (CIF) for publication.
Funding partners:

Capabilities

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Small organic molecule analysis
Determines structures of small organic compounds in pharmaceuticals, materials science, catalysis, and natural products, offering insights into molecular geometry and interactions.
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Comprehensive structural analysis
Provides solutions for absolute structure determination, addressing twinning and disorder to ensure accurate and reliable results for complex samples.
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Student training program
Delivers hands-on training in single-crystal XRD, including crystal mounting, data collection, structure refinement, polarised microscope use, and guidance on crystallisation and SC-XRD suitability.

Instruments

  • The D8 Quest single-crystal XRD features an IμS 3.0 microfocus Cu source with high X-ray flux density and a Photon II detector with shutterless mode for fast data collection. Ideal for small organic molecule structure determination, weakly diffracting crystals, and absolute structure analysis.

  • The Bruker APEX II single-crystal XRD features an IμS microfocus Mo source and water-cooled CCD detector. Ideal for strongly diffracting crystals, and highly absorbing samples. 

Our people

Headshot of Ruoming Tian
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Mohan Bhadbhade staff headshot in chemical crystallography lab
Scientific Officer

Phone: 2 9385 9115
Emailm.bhadbhade@unsw.edu.au

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Fees

  • All fees are subject to CPI increase. 
  • UNSW-subsidised fees are applicable to all UNSW account holders, including affiliated institutes, i.e. ADFA and LIEF Partners. 
  • UNSW users who require frequent access may benefit from an annual subscription, contact us for more information. 
  • Projects funded by non-UNSW account holders and the industry will be charged at higher fees (+GST). 
  • Co-authorship is generally assumed. Please contact us to discuss a potential collaboration at m.bhadbhade@unsw.edu.au.
    • UNSW service fees (per sample per temperature)
    Service Rate (per sample per temperature)
    Training (3 – 4 sessions) $100
    Unit cell collection  free
    Full data collection  $70
    Structure solution and CIF generation (optional) $80
    • UNSW service fees (per sample per temperature)
    Service  Rate (per sample per temperature)
    Unit cell collection Free
    Full data collection $120
    Structure solution and CIF generation $80
  • Service  Rate (per sample per temperature)
    Unit cell collection $50 + GST
    Full data collection + Structure solution $450 + GST
  • Annual subscription includes user training and unlimited access to instruments for data collection. For pricing please contact r.tian@unsw.edu.au.

How to access

To schedule a consultation or arrange training, please contact Mohan Bhadbhade or Ruoming Tian.

  • If you are planning to get the training for single-crystal XRD, simply fill out the new user registration form and risk management form below and send the PDF copies to Ruoming Tian (r.tian@unswe.edu.au).

    If you just want to submit the samples and let the staff to carry out the analysis, please fill out the sample request form below and send the electronic copy to Mohan Bhadbhade (m.bhadbhade@unsw.edu.au).

  • During this meeting, we will explain how to gain access to our lab space and what training will be required. Additionally, we will discuss your research project to match you with the most suitable instrument for your research question.

  • Access will be granted once you complete your online lab induction and receive in-person training from our staff on all relevant instruments. Our training is thorough and designed to accommodate individuals who have no prior experience with technical equipment.

Contact us

Chemical Crystallography Laboratory

Room G61
F10 June Griffith Building (Chemical Sciences) 
UNSW Sydney NSW 2033

Phone : 02 9385 9898
Email : r.tian@unsw.edu.au

We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.

Get in touch about your project

We offer a range of services that can be tailored to your needs. Please send us an enquiry to get started.