The Thermal Gravimetric Analyser (later also “TGA”) measures the change in mass of a sample as it is heated, cooled or held at a constant temperature in a defined atmosphere. Samples that are sensitive to air can be prepared and analysed under a hermetic process at a reduced pressure thus preventing their decomposition. The intended use of the TGA is for the analysis of stable solid-state materials, their synthesis studies and analysis of ALD precursors. Volatility and thermal stability are essential properties of ALD precursors. They are inherently very air sensitive, implying fully inert handling. Fully inert TGA at reduced pressure provides direct access to the key parameters of ALD precursors developed at CHEM, allowing swift feedback to our precursor development. Solid-state research focuses on the behavior of multi-metal oxides – such as battery materials – or their precursors. The Department of Chemistry and Materials Sciences has developed solid knowledge of TGA use and analysis, but we lack a device fulfilling our teaching and research needs. An automated sample loader with hermetic sample crucibles ensures consistency and minimizes errors in multi-user environment.

DEFINITION OF REQUIREMENT INTRODUCTION Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering Department of Chemistry and Materials Science focuses on micro-, nano- and atomic scale engineering of compounds and materials. Departments core competencies include, development of advanced and functional materials, chemical synthesis, energy storage and conversion, as well as, molecular and materials modelling. The Hermetic Thermal Gravimetric Analyser (later also “TGA”) will be part of the equipment infrastructure of the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science at School of Chemical Engineering in Aalto University. The intended use of TGA is for analysis of stable solid-state materials, their synthesis studies and analysis of ALD precursors. Volatility and thermal stability are essential properties of ALD precursors. They are inherently very air-sensitive, implying fully inert handling. Fully inert TGA at reduced pressure provides direct access to the key parameters of ALD precursors developed at CHEM, allowing swift feedback to our precursor development (industrial collaboration with strict schedules). Solid-state research focuses on the behaviour of multi-metal oxides – such as battery materials – or their precursors. Teaching of both topics is given in our MSc program, currently without possibility for practical TGA learning assignments. Department of Chemistry and Materials Sciences has developed a solid knowledge on TGA use and analysis, but we lack a device fulfilling our teaching and research needs. Automated sample loader with hermetic sample crucibles secures consistency and minimizes errors in multi-user environment. REQUIREMENTS Requirements The TGA for the intended use to meet the teaching and research needs must have at least the following requirements: - The equipment must have a furnace. The furnace temperature range must cover at least room temperature (RT) p to 1100 °C. - The equipment must have temperature accuracy maximum ± 0.3 K or better, and temperature precision maximum ± 0.15 K or better. -The equipment must have furnace temperature resolution minimum 0.001 K or better. - The furnace must be able to heat from room temperature to 1000 oC in 5 min or less. - The equipment must be able to cool from 1100 °C to 100 °C in 20 min or less. - The equipment’s heating range must be adjustable at least within range 1-150 K/min. - The equipment must have a sample volume of at least 900 µl. - The equipment must have a balance resolution of at least 1.0 µg. - The equipment must have a balance weighing accuracy of 0.005 % or better and a weighting precision of 0.0025 % or better. - The equipment balance must have an automatic internal adjustment requiring no external manipulation. - The equipment must have a built-in gas flow control. - The equipment must be equipped with either at least two digital mass flow controllers or at least three analog mass flow controllers. The mass flow controllers must be able to control the flowrates of at least the following gases: Helium, Nitrogen and Oxygen. - The equipment must be able to measure samples under vacuum at a pressure of 10 mbar or lower. - The equipment must have an autosampler with at least 20 sample positions enabling fully automatic sample analysis of all loaded samples. - The equipment must be supplied with at least 100 sample crucibles with piercing lids. - The equipment must have a piercing kit in the autosampler which minimizes the air contamination prior to the analysis. - The equipment must have proven solution to prevent contamination of the balance or associated components from condensable, air-sensitive samples for example ALD precursors, and enable easy removal of the condensates. For example, a horizontal furnace at the exit of gases (vacuum outlet).

FI1B1

Start: 2027-01-01 End: 2027-01-31

Hilma notice number: 2026-059776 Procedure identifier: 611c2b5e-c52f-46c2-901a-849d5fc56a47 eForms notice identifier: dada7161-e9dc-4719-aaa3-fd82fef3b0dc Buyer's reference: D/4022/01.01.04.00/2026 TED publication number: 729510-2026