Illuminati Physics Lab

Opening Reflection: Learning from Two Extraordinary Scientists Before I begin today’s talk, I would like to reflect on the lives of two remarkable women who fundamentally changed the course of science — Marie Curie and Rosalind Franklin . Marie Curie Marie Curie was a pioneering physicist and chemist whose work on radioactivity redefined our understanding of matter and energy. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to receive Nobel Prizes in two different scientific disciplines. Her life represents courage, perseverance, and dedication to scientific truth. Rosalind Franklin Rosalind Franklin was a brilliant X-ray crystallographer whose work was crucial to revealing the double helical structure of DNA. Her scientific precision and commitment to rigorous experimentation laid the foundation for one of the greatest discoverie...

Proposal & Handout: Ni–Histidine Coordination Framework (Ni–His Bio-MOF) Proposal + Beginner Lab Handout Ni–Histidine Coordination Framework (Ni–His “Bio-MOF type”) Goal: Synthesize a real metal–organic coordination network using Ni 2+ (metal node) and L-histidine (organic linker) from available lab stock.  |  Key control: pH ~ 6.0–6.6 (avoid Ni(OH) 2 precipitation). 1) Why Ni–Histidine? (Project Proposal) Real framework: Ni 2+ coordinates with histidine via carboxylate (–COO − ) and imidazole-N , giving an extended coordination network (coordination framework / “bio-MOF type”). Uses current stock: You already have NiCl 2 (and/or Ni(NO 3 ) 2 ·6H 2 O) + L-histidine HCl , NaOH, water. Nanoscience relevance: Framework morphology + coordination chemistry + adsorption/ion binding + potential catalytic relevance of Ni. Easy proof: XR...

Lab Handout: Zn–Histidine Bio-MOF Synthesis (Beginner SOP) LAB HANDOUT (Beginner SOP) Synthesis of Zn–Histidine Bio-MOF (Real Metal–Organic Framework / Coordination Framework) Target output: ≥ 4 g (by combining 2 identical batches)  |  Recommended level: MSc Nanoscience project  |  Balance: 4-digit (0.0001 g) OK 1) Objective To synthesize a real MOF / coordination framework using Zn 2+ (metal node) and L-histidine (organic linker) under controlled pH. The key is to keep pH around 6.5 so that we form a coordination network (MOF) and avoid Zn(OH) 2 / ZnO formation . 2) Safety (Mandatory) Wear lab coat, gloves, and goggles throughout. NaOH is corrosive —add slowly; wash spills immediately with plenty of water. Autoclave safety: do not fill above 80%; do not open while hot/pressurized; cool naturally. Dispose washings as instructed (d...

M.Sc. Project Handout — ZIF-8 Synthesis (Room Temperature) Tip: Browser → Print → “Save as PDF” for a clean handout. M.Sc. Project Handout — Synthesis of ZIF-8 (Room Temperature) Material: ZIF-8 (Zn(2-methylimidazolate) 2 )  |  Method: Solution precipitation (RT, no autoclave)  |  Batch: ~0.5–1.5 g (typical) Student: ____________________ Register No: ____________________ Supervisor: ____________________ Date: ____________________ Batch ID: ____________________ Solvent system: Methanol / Methanol:Water Safety (Mandatory) Methanol is toxic and highly flammable. Work in a fume hood ; keep away from flame/heat. Zinc nitrate is an oxidizer. Avoid skin contact; do not mix dry oxidizer with organics. Wear lab coat, gloves, goggles throughout. Dispose waste as per lab rules. ...

Lab Handout: 0.1 M Ni(NO3)2·6H2O Stock (100 mL) + 3 mol% Ni–ZnO Addition Lab Handout: 0.1 M Ni(NO 3 ) 2 ·6H 2 O Stock (100 mL) & Nickel Addition for 3 mol% Ni–ZnO Supervisor: Dr. Sibi K. S.  |  Batch volume: 100 mL stock  |  Use: 3 mol% Ni doping Print / Save as PDF Important practical note: Ni(NO 3 ) 2 ·6H 2 O is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture). It may look wet/semi-liquid if the bottle was open. For project work, avoid weighing tiny 87 mg directly—prepare a stock solution and pipette volume instead. Part A — Calculation for 0.1 M Stock Solution (100 mL) Given Molar mass of Ni(NO 3 ) 2 ·6H 2 O, \(M_r\) = 290.8 g/mol Required molarity, \(C\) = 0.1 mol/L Required volume, \(V\) = 100 mL = 0.1 L Formula \(\text{Mass} = C \times V \times M_r\) Subs...

Detailed Handout: NH2-MIL-53(Al) Synthesis (Hydrothermal) + Solar Photocatalysis DETAILED HANDOUT: NH 2 -MIL-53(Al) Synthesis (Hydrothermal) + Solar Photocatalysis MOF for Renewable Energy (Solar Photocatalysis) • Prepared using Al(NO 3 ) 3 ·9H 2 O + 2-Aminoterephthalic Acid (NH 2 -BDC) 1. Aim To synthesize NH 2 -MIL-53(Al) (amino-functionalized aluminium MOF) by hydrothermal method and evaluate its solar photocatalytic performance under a solar simulator (renewable energy input). 2. Chemicals (Available / Required) Chemical Formula Grade Use Aluminium nitrate nonahydrate Al(NO 3 ) 3 ·9H 2 O AR (≥98%) Al source 2-Aminoterephthalic acid (NH 2 -BDC) C 8 H 7 NO 4 AR (≥99%) Organic linker (light active) Distilled / deionised water H 2 O — Solvent Methanol (for washing) CH 3 OH AR / HPLC ...

Handout: ZnSe Thin Film Preparation by SILAR (Na2SeSO3 Route) HANDOUT: ZnSe Thin Film Preparation by SILAR (Na 2 SeSO 3 Route) Department Nano Lab (MPTE) • Student Protocol • Strict Procedure (100 mL bath scale) 1. Aim To deposit ZnSe nanostructured thin films on glass substrates using the SILAR technique, employing sodium selenosulfate (Na 2 SeSO 3 ) as the selenium source. 2. Safety (Mandatory) Wear lab coat + nitrile gloves + goggles . Heating steps: use hot plate; avoid splashing. Collect all selenium-containing residues in a labeled heavy-metal waste bottle . 3. Chemicals & Exact Quantities (100 mL Each Bath) 3.1 Cationic Bath: 0.05 M ZnCl 2 (100 mL) Reagent Quantity Notes ZnCl 2 (anhydrous) 0.681 g Dissolve in DI water and make up to 100 mL Aqueous ammonia (NH 3 ) 0.5–2.0 mL (typical) Add dropwise to a...

Lab Handout: Curcumin–Chitosan Thin Films (Air Oven + Silver Paste) LAB HANDOUT (SOP): Curcumin–Chitosan Thin Films For UV–Vis pH response, FTIR confirmation, electrical readout (graphite/silver electrodes), and optional NLO Z-scan (salt-free samples). Project: Biopolymer indicator film with dual optical + electrical readout Film System: Chitosan + Curcumin (± NaCl) Drying: Air oven (two-stage) for smooth films Electrodes: Graphite (edible-inspired) + Silver paste (benchmark contact) 1) Objective Prepare uniform thin films of chitosan–curcumin with reproducible thickness and color. Produce salt-free films for optical/NLO tests and salt-added films for improved electrical response . 2) Safety & Rules (Mandatory) Wear gloves + lab coat + goggles . Work with glacial acetic acid carefully; prepare dilute acid in a ventilated area. Keep films away from...

STRICT HANDOUT — Nano Ni–Histidine MOF-like Framework (Hydrothermal) STRICT HANDOUT — Nano Ni–Histidine MOF-like Framework (Hydrothermal) Nano-target protocol Hydrothermal For XRD · FTIR · BET · SEM Material name (reporting): Ni–L-histidine coordination framework (bio-MOF-like coordination polymer) Safety (NON-NEGOTIABLE) Nickel salts: toxic/sensitizer. Wear gloves, lab coat, mask. Avoid skin contact. Ammonia fumes: handle in fume hood / strong ventilation. Autoclave: Fill ≤ 80% liner volume. Cool fully before opening. Never open hot/pressurized. Waste: Collect all Ni-containing liquids in labeled heavy-metal waste . Do not pour to sink. Gloves Mask Fume hood Waste bottle labeled 1) Chemicals (from stock) Metal node (preferred) Nickel(II) nitrate hexahydrate N...

Microwave Synthesis Handout - Ni Doped ZnO LAB HANDOUT Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of ZnO and 3 mol% Ni-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Supervisor: Dr. Sibi K. S. Objective: To synthesize ZnO and Ni-doped ZnO nanoparticles using microwave method and study band gap tuning, electrical conductivity, and photoconductivity. 1. Safety Instructions (Strictly Follow) Wear lab coat, gloves, and safety goggles at all times. Handle NaOH carefully (corrosive). Do NOT seal containers during microwave heating. Use microwave-safe borosilicate glass only. Allow solution to cool between microwave cycles. 2. Chemicals Required (100 mL Batch) Undoped ZnO Chemical Amount Zinc acetate dihydrate 2.20 g DI Water 100 mL NaOH (1 M) As required (pH 10) PEG (optional) 0.5 g 3 mol% Ni-Doped ZnO Chemical Amount Zinc acetate dihydrate 2.20 g Nickel nitrate hexahydrate 0.087 g (87 mg) DI Water 100 mL NaOH (1 M) As required (pH 10) PEG (optional) 0.5 g 3. Preparation of ...