Laboratory of Inorganic Materials (LIMs)

GENERAL INFORMATION

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Name of infrastructure: Laboratory of Inorganic Materials (LIMs)

Hosting Entity

Cyprus University of Technology

Scientific Domain: Materials Synthesis or Testing Facilities

Description and purpose of the Research Infrastructure

Welcome to the Laboratory of Inorganic Materials (LIMs)

Welcome to the Laboratory of Inorganic Materials (LIMs) at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT). Established within the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, LIMs is dedicated to pioneering research in the synthesis and characterization of inorganic nanomaterials and functional hybrid inorganic/organic systems with cutting-edge applications in technology, energy, sustainability, and biomedicine.

By combining fundamental studies with application-driven research, LIMs contributes to the development of advanced materials designed to address pressing societal, environmental, and technological challenges.

In parallel, the laboratory plays an active role in education and training, supporting BSc, MSc, and PhD programs at CUT by integrating research outcomes directly into teaching and mentoring, thereby cultivating the next generation of scientists and engineers.

USEFUL FIGURES

1%

Male

2%

Female

ACCESS TO INFRASTRUCTURE

Academia
Industry
Public

CONTACT INFO

Address: 36 Kitiou Kyprianou

Postal Code: 3041

City: Limassol

Head of RI: Melita Menelaou

Contact Person of RI: Melita Menelaou | 25 00 2308

INFORMATION OF INSTRUMENTATION OPERATING IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE

Vibrating Sample Magnetometer

Name: Vibrating Sample Magnetometer
Description: The VSM is a magnetic characterization technique based on Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, where a sample subjected to periodic mechanical vibration in an external magnetic field induces an AC voltage in pickup coils proportional to its magnetic moment, enabling quantitative analysis of magnetic behavior.
Units: 1
Hosting Laboratory / Department: CUT

Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:

The Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) is utilized for the characterization of magnetic properties of materials, including magnetization, coercivity, and magnetic behavior as a function of applied field and temperature.

Year: 2026

Funding Source:

National
EU

Available for access
by external users

Biotage Initiator+ Microwave Synthesis System

Name: Biotage Initiator+ Microwave Synthesis System
Description: The Biotage Initiator+ Microwave Synthesis System is a compact, single-mode microwave reactor designed for controlled chemical synthesis under elevated temperature and pressure conditions. The system uses microwave irradiation to provide rapid and homogeneous heating of reaction mixtures, significantly reducing reaction times compared to conventional heating methods. It is equipped with precise temperature and pressure monitoring, automated control of reaction parameters, and safety features that ensure reliable and reproducible operation. The instrument supports a range of sealed reaction vessels, allowing safe handling of volatile solvents and high-pressure reactions.
Units: 1
Hosting Laboratory / Department: CUT

Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:

It is utilized for rapid and controlled microwave-assisted chemical synthesis, enabling accelerated reaction rates and improved reproducibility compared to conventional heating methods. It is primarily used in: Organic synthesis (e.g., heterocyclic compounds, pharmaceuticals, functional molecules) Nanomaterials and inorganic materials synthesis via wet-chemistry routes (e.g., solvothermal/microwave-assisted methods)

Year: 2025

FRITSCH PULVERISETTE 6 Planetary Mono Mill

Name: FRITSCH PULVERISETTE 6 Planetary Mono Mill
Description: It is a compact, high-performance planetary ball mill designed for fine grinding, mechanical activation, and homogenization of materials. It operates based on the planetary motion principle, where the grinding bowl rotates around its own axis while simultaneously revolving around a central axis, generating high impact and friction forces. The system allows precise control of milling parameters such as rotational speed, time, and operating cycles, ensuring reproducible results. It supports a variety of grinding bowls and balls made from different materials, enabling the processing of a wide range of samples, from soft to very hard materials. It is suitable for applications including nanomaterials synthesis and processing, mechanical alloying, preparation of ceramics and composite materials, as well as sample preparation for further characterization.
Units: 1
Hosting Laboratory / Department: CUT

Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:

It is utilized for high-energy milling, fine grinding, and homogenization of materials, enabling the production of powders with controlled particle size and enhanced physicochemical properties. It is primarily used in: Nanomaterials synthesis and processing through top-down approaches Mechanical alloying and solid-state reactions Grinding and size reduction of hard, brittle, and fibrous materials Preparation of ceramics and composite materials Sample preparation for analytical techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM, FTIR) The system is particularly valuable for applications requiring high energy input, uniform particle size distribution, and reproducible material processing, supporting both research and advanced materials development.