About the GJ Russell Microscopy Facility

The facility was established in 2009 and with an investment of £3M is one of the best in the UK. Cutting edge research is carried out on carbon-based materials (e.g. graphene), gas shales, superconductors for fusion energy and photovoltaics. Using state-of-the art SEM, TEM and FIB we can probe length scales ranging from a few micrometers down to individual atoms. A unique advantage is the ability to extract different information, such as morphology, chemistry, crystallography, optoelectronic properties, from the same area simultaneously and non-destructively.

We are actively seeking new projects that will add to our portfolio. The facility is shared between Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Biology and Physics. Durham University staff and students are encouraged to access our microscopes. For more information please contact the service manager, Dr Budhika Mendis.

We also work extensively with industry and regional universities on routine characterisation as well as R&D projects at highly reasonable pricing. For more information, including discussing your analytical requirement, please contact the service manager, Dr Budhika Mendis.

A selection of our research projects can be found here.