Development of the material base of the Faculty of Natural Sciences

Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Berdenov Zh.G.:

In light of the rapid development of science in Kazakhstan, the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, in order to increase the scientific contribution to the economy of the country, in 2022 by the Resolution of the Government of Kazakhstan received the status of "Research University". The University is an advanced capital university of our state, trying to realize the goals and objectives of the Head of State, which he voiced in his speech at the Rectors' Forum, where he reflected the opportunities and potential of transforming Kazakhstan into a research hub in Eurasia.

The first transformations did not make us wait long. In 2023, as part of the development of scientific infrastructure, from the University's own funds, the Faculty of Natural Sciences acquired modern, technological, analytical laboratory equipment worth more than 400 million tenge. (X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) S2 PUMA (Bruker), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) D6 PHASER (Bruker), scanning electron microscope (SEM) Axia ChemiSEM LoVac (Thermo Fischer Scientific), particle size and zeta potential analyzer NanoBrook Omni (Brookhaven Instruments).

Lecturer-researcher, Safarov R.Z.:

The acquired equipment represents cutting-edge technology in the field of natural sciences, which opens up unique opportunities for students and teachers to conduct in-depth research and experiments. The modern equipment provides researchers with the necessary tools for practical application of theoretical knowledge, as well as inspires the development of innovative approaches to solving scientific problems. The new equipment will create fruitful partnerships with international research institutes, which will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience in the scientific environment.

Head of the Department of Chemistry, E.E. Kopishev.:

The Department of Chemistry has been dreaming of such modern equipment for a very long time. Since 2011 there have been no such large-scale acquisitions of scientific equipment. The acquired instruments are widely used in various fields of world science and industry.  Among them are universities and research institutes, including materials science, chemistry, physics, nanoscience and engineering. This type of equipment is used in government laboratories, such as those involved in materials research, environmental analysis and forensics; and is also used by industrial laboratories in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, electronics and energy.

Looking at global trends, we can proudly say that similar instruments are used by foreign national laboratories such as Argonne National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the United States, as well as universities with strong materials science programs such as MIT, Caltech, and Stanford University, major research institutes in Europe such as the Max Planck Institutes and ETH Zurich, and industrial research laboratories of companies such as BASF, DuPont, and Intel.

The acquired analytical equipment significantly expands the range of scientific opportunities for scientists at our university. To be more detailed:

The S2 PUMA is a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) manufactured by Bruker. This instrument is used to immediately analyze the chemical composition of materials. The S2 PUMA is used in various fields such as geology, mining, metallurgy, materials analysis and quality control. The S2 PUMA is based on X-ray fluorescence technology, which determines the elemental composition of a sample based on the emission caused by the interaction of X-rays with the atoms of the material.

Bruker's D6 PHASER is an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) used to analyze the crystal structure of materials. It is widely used in scientific and industrial research, also in fields such as materials science, chemistry, geology and pharmaceuticals. It is designed for the rapid determination of crystal structures in various samples such as powders, thin films or single crystals. The instrument is equipped with Cu Kα X-ray technology to achieve high resolution and accuracy in the analysis results.

Axia ChemiSEM is the next generation microscope. The instrument offers a new concept for real-time processing and presentation of sample composition information that perfectly customizes both the SEM and EDS images. In addition, a new information processing technology with adaptive pulse shaping enables reliable information on elemental composition without distortion from overlapping peaks and shadows. The instrument accommodates large samples weighing up to 10 kg and provides access to the entire chamber. Low vacuum mode allows you to work with non-conductive samples and use higher beam currents for elemental analysis.

The NanoBrook Omni is a particle size analyzer and zeta potential meter manufactured by Brookhaven Instruments. This instrument is designed to measure particle sizes ranging from a few nanometers to a few micrometers and to determine the zeta potential of particles in dispersed systems. The NanoBrook Omni analyzer provides information on particle size in liquids, including zeta potential and molecular weight. It can be used in a variety of applications such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing and others where control of particle size and zeta potential is important to ensure product quality.

The Analytik Jena MULTI N/C 2100 S Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Analyzer is an instrument for the determination of total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen in samples. This analyzer is widely used in laboratories for water quality control as well as in fields related to environment and chemical analysis. The main features of the MULTI N/C 2100 S include high measurement accuracy, a wide range of analyte concentrations, an automated analysis process, and the ability to handle a variety of sample types including liquids and solids.

Acquisition of the above equipment is carried out within the framework of implementation of the program of development of the L.N. Gumilyov ENU in the status of a research university and will allow to develop scientific and laboratory base in the natural direction, to attract a new source of income through commercialization of laboratory-analytical services, to increase the number of grants won to finance research work, will increase the publication activity of scientists, will increase the interest of foreign applicants to receive education in our university

Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Berdenov Zh.G.:

The Faculty of Natural Sciences expresses its deep gratitude to the University Management for the support and funding of our faculty, which are the foundation for long-term scientific and educational development. We can confidently say that this investment in equipment will bear fruit and make our university even more influential in the world of science and education. It is also a great opportunity for faculty to continue their contributions to the scientific community and to address the important issues of our time. Through these innovations, our university continues to reaffirm its reputation as a center of scientific and academic excellence. We are proud to be a part of this educational institution and express our deep gratitude to the leadership team for their strategic vision.