08 Mar 2019

Rose Research Group, Department of Chemistry

Location: Austin, TX

Custom Solvent Purification System for the University of Texas in Austin

 The Rose Research Group at UT Austin’s chemistry department uses their custom built and PPT installed dual pass free standing 12 column solvent purification system in their state-of-the-art laboratory to aid their research in bio-inorganics, heavy atoms, and solar fuels. The group’s goal in bio-inorganics is inspired by one of nature’s H2 utilizing enzymes: mono-iron hydrogenase often abbreviated HMD-H2ase. Their goal in heavy atoms is to simulate some of the spectroscopic and reactivity properties of heavy, precious metals by synthesizing a new class of complexes derived from heavy, main group elements bound to the late, 1st-row transition metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu). In solar fuels, their goal is to investigate new ways to build hybrid molecular/materials interfaces to integrate and stabilize each component.

PPT’s dedicated team of solvent system experts assisted Dr. Rose and his research Group in determining which system was right for their needs and guided them through the process of system selection. The primary users are graduate and undergraduate members of the lab, and occasionally, other chemistry students in the department. Through the successful turnkey completion and installation of their system, Dr. Rose’s research group can look forward to trouble-free dry anhydrous solvent for years to come.

“The PPT system offered a dual-pass purification system in contrast to circulating systems offered by others. Additionally, we believed the ability to work closely with PPT and the flexibility that the company offered in outfitting the custom-built glass contour/PPT system for connection to our gloveboxes were both huge assets.”

– Spencer Kerns, Solvent purification system manager, Rose Research Group, UT Austin chemistry department

Project Scope

Originally designed for 10 columns with upgrade capacity to 12 Column, this PPT purification system is currently providing dry and air-free solvents for inorganic coordination chemistry and semiconductor electrochemistry experiments. Options include 24/40 joint connection for flask joint connections, glove box integration kits, and vacuum controller.


12 solvent, free standing with DMF Isoyanate Scrubber used to dry the following  solvents:

THF – Tetrahydrofuran MeCN (Acetonitrile)
Ether (Et20) Meth Chloride (CH2CL2)
Benzene Pentane
Hexane Chlorobenzene
Toulene Methanol w/Fiberhax media
DMF – Dimethylformamide DMA (Dimethylacetamide)