i-Nano Research Facility
De La Salle University Manila
SEM & EDX Analysis Services
Scope of Services · Sample Submission Guidelines · Frequently Asked Questions
The i-Nano Research Facility at De La Salle University Manila provides professional Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis services to support academic research, industry applications, and quality control. All analyses are performed using the Phenom XL Desktop SEM Platform (Thermo Fisher Scientific), a benchstop instrument with integrated EDX. This document outlines our scope of services, sample submission guidelines, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Table of contents
1 Scope of Services2
2 Sample Submission Guidelines3
3 Submission & Payment Procedures4 – 5
4 Frequently Asked Questions5 – 7
Contact information
Laboratory Coordinator
Dr. James Salveo L. Olarve
Dr. James Salveo L. Olarve
Email
admin@inanolab.com
admin@inanolab.com
Mobile
0929 805 1084
0929 805 1084
Website
www.inanolab.com
www.inanolab.com
1. Scope of Services
Phenom XL SEM PlatformService packages
Basic SEM
Surface Morphology Analysis
High-resolution electron microscopy imaging of your sample's surface structure and topography.
- Minimum 12 high-resolution SEM micrographs
- Imaging of up to 3 areas per sample
- Multiple magnifications (500× – 10,000× or higher)
- Gold sputter coating of sample
- Raw digital image files delivered via email
- Official Certification of Analysis
- Quick turnaround
SEM + EDX
Morphology + Elemental Analysis
Full surface imaging combined with detailed elemental composition data via EDX spectroscopy.
- All Basic SEM inclusions
- Elemental analysis (EDX) of 3 different areas per sample
- Quantitative concentrations: atomic % and weight %
- EDS graph spectrum with characteristic peaks
- Elemental mapping
- Raw data files delivered via email
- Official Certification of Analysis
Not included in any service package: Image processing, annotation, measurements, interpretation and analysis. These remain the sole responsibility of the researcher.
Equipment specifications
Model
Phenom Pro & XL
Manufacturer
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Type
Benchstop SEM with EDX
Effective magnification
Up to 20,000×
Sample chamber
Accommodates multiple samples
Applications
Materials Sci., Life Sci., Electronics, QC
Why choose i-Nano Research Facility?
Quick turnaround
Results released within 2-3 working days after the scheduled analysis
Certified results
Official Certification of Analysis provided with every service
Affordable rates
High-quality analyses at student- and researcher-friendly pricing
Hassle-free requests
Simple and straightforward sample submission process
Comprehensive imaging
12 high-resolution SEM images per sample at varying magnifications
Precise EDX analysis
3 detailed spot analyses for complete elemental composition
Limitations of service
The following are explicitly outside the scope of services: (1) image processing, annotation, or enhancement; (2) dimensional measurements or scale calculations; (3) interpretation or discussion of morphological or elemental results; (4) guarantee of specific imaging and elementatl outcomes if limited by sample quality; (5) return of submitted samples — SEM/EDX analysis is destructive in nature.
2. Sample Submission Guidelines
Sample eligibility — solid samples only
Allowed samples
- Powders / powder-like materials
- Rock-like or mineral samples
- Glass pieces
- Plastics / polymers
- Organic solids (wood, leaves, seeds)
- Insects (dry and preserved)
- Teeth / bone fragments
- Rubber pieces
- Paper / cardboard
- Textiles / fabric
Not allowed samples
- Liquids
- Gases
- Samples containing mercury
- Radioactive materials
- Biological hazards (blood, tissue, pathogens)
- Toxic or highly hazardous materials
- Corrosive or strongly reactive chemicals
- Wet, moist, or damp samples
- Samples that may outgas or contaminate the chamber
- Sticky, oily, or adhesive substances
The laboratory reserves the right to reject samples that are wet or moist, excessively large, hazardous, improperly prepared, or not in accordance with laboratory safety and testing requirements. Testing may be terminated at any point if safety risks are identified.
Sample preparation requirements
1
Sample mass & size
Submit small, solid samples for best imaging and EDX results.
- Surface area: approx. 1 cm × 1 cm
- Thickness: a few millimeters
- Ideal mass: ≈ 50 mg
- Submit the minimum amount necessary
2
Drying
Samples must be completely dry before submission to prevent contamination or equipment damage. Note that we do not offer any drying services. Example drying methods: Air drying or sun drying, Oven drying, or Freeze drying
3
Packaging & labeling
Use clean, tightly sealed containers to prevent spills or contamination. Label each container clearly with:
- Client name
- Sample code or identifier
- Brief sample description (if needed)
Samples will not be returned after analysis due to the destructive nature of the SEM procedure. Please submit only the minimum amount of material necessary.
Confidentiality & intellectual property
All data, images, and results are treated as strictly confidential. Results will not be disclosed to any third party without written consent from the client.
All SEM and EDX results remain the property of the client. The facility retains the right to use anonymized data for training purposes only, unless stated otherwise in writing.
Liability
SEM analysis is destructive in nature — samples will not be returned. The i-Nano Research Facility shall not be liable for sample damage during preparation or imaging, nor for failure to obtain desired imaging results due to sample quality limitations. The facility reserves the right to reject improperly prepared or unsafe samples and to terminate testing if risks are identified at any stage of the process.
3. Submission & Payment Procedures
Step-by-step submission process
1
Scheduling
Complete the service request form at www.inanolab.com
2
Confirmation of test schedule
Confirm your requested analysis within 24 hours of receiving the schedule email notification. Failure to confirm within this period may result in forfeiture of the reserved slot.
3
Down payment
A 50% down payment is required to confirm the test schedule. Bank details and the delivery address will be provided upon confirmation of your request.
4
Prior notice before sample delivery
Inform the facility before delivering your samples so that the necessary receiving arrangements can be made. The drop-off location is not necessarily at De La Salle University – Manila.
5
Sample submission
Deliver properly packed and labeled samples to the confirmed drop-off address. Samples must comply with all eligibility and preparation requirements outlined in Section 2.
6
Client access policy
For safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, clients shall deliver samples only at the designated drop-off area. Entry into laboratory work areas and observation of testing procedures are not permitted.
7
Full payment & release of results
Full payment must be settled prior to the release of results. Results are sent via email 2 to 3 working days after the scheduled analysis, subject to the absence of technical interruptions or unforeseen delays.
All fees are exclusive of shipping costs. Clients are responsible for the cost of transporting samples to the facility. Service fees are based on the number of samples and the type of analysis required — contact us for the current rate schedule.
Data deliverables by service type
Basic SEM
- Minimum 12 raw SEM micrographs (digital files)
- Multiple magnifications (500× – 10,000× or higher)
- Raw data files delivered via email
- Official Certification of Analysis
SEM + EDX
- All Basic SEM deliverables
- EDX spectra and elemental mapping data
- Quantitative elemental concentrations (at% & wt%)
- EDS graph spectrum with characteristic peaks
- Official Certification of Analysis
Summary of key terms
| Term | Condition |
|---|---|
| Confirmation deadline | Within 24 hours of receiving the schedule notification |
| Down payment | 50% of total service fee upon schedule confirmation |
| Full payment | Required prior to release of results |
| Turnaround time | 2-3 working days after scheduled analysis (upon full payment) |
| Shipping costs | Excluded from service fee; borne by the client |
| Sample return | Not applicable — analysis is destructive in nature |
4. Frequently Asked Questions
About the services
What services does the i-Nano Research Facility offer?
Two main analysis services are offered: (1) Basic SEM — high-resolution surface morphology imaging; and (2) SEM + EDX — surface morphology imaging combined with elemental composition analysis via Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy.
What equipment is used for the analysis?
All analyses are performed using the Phenom XL Desktop SEM Platform (Thermo Fisher Scientific), a benchstop scanning electron microscope with integrated EDX functionality. The chamber can accommodate multiple samples simultaneously.
What will I receive as output from Basic SEM?
You will receive a minimum of 12 high-resolution SEM micrographs at multiple magnifications (500× to 10,000× or higher), raw digital image files delivered via email, and an Official Certification of Analysis.
What additional outputs are included in the SEM + EDX package?
In addition to all Basic SEM deliverables, the SEM + EDX package includes: elemental analysis (EDX) of 3 different areas on the sample, quantitative elemental concentrations (atomic % and weight %), an EDS graph spectrum showing characteristic peaks, and elemental mapping.
Will the facility interpret or measure my SEM images and EDX results?
No. Only raw SEM micrographs and raw EDX results will be provided. Analysis, interpretation, measurements, and discussion of results are not included in the service and remain the sole responsibility of the researcher.
Who can avail of your services?
Services are open to university researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, and industry partners. Student- and researcher-friendly rates are offered.
Sample requirements
What types of samples are accepted?
Only solid, dry samples are accepted. Acceptable samples include: powders, mineral or rock-like samples, glass, plastics/polymers, organic solids (wood, leaves, seeds), preserved insects, teeth and bone fragments, rubber, paper/cardboard, and textiles.
What samples are NOT accepted?
The following are not allowed: liquids, gases, samples containing mercury, radioactive materials, biological hazards (blood, tissue, pathogens), toxic or corrosive substances, wet or moist samples, samples that may outgas or contaminate the vacuum chamber, and sticky or oily substances.
How much sample material do I need to submit?
Only a small amount is required. An ideal sample has a surface area of approximately 1 cm × 1 cm, a thickness of a few millimeters, and a mass of about 50 mg. Please submit only the minimum necessary, as samples will not be returned after analysis.
Can I submit wet or liquid samples?
No. All samples must be completely dry prior to submission. Wet or moist samples will be rejected, as moisture can cause contamination, outgassing, or damage to the SEM equipment. Acceptable drying methods include air drying, sun drying, oven drying, and freeze drying.
Can the facility reject my sample?
Yes. The laboratory reserves the right to reject samples that are wet, moist, excessively large, hazardous, improperly prepared, or not in compliance with safety and testing requirements. Testing may also be terminated if safety risks are identified during the process.
Submission & scheduling
How do I request an analysis?
Complete the service request form at www.inanolab.com.
How do I confirm my test schedule?
You must confirm your requested analysis via email or mobile within 24 hours of receiving the schedule notification. Failure to confirm within this period may result in forfeiture of the reserved testing slot.
Where do I deliver my samples?
The delivery address will be provided upon confirmation of the service request. Please note that the drop-off location is not necessarily at De La Salle University – Manila. Always confirm the specific address before delivering your samples.
Can clients enter the laboratory and observe the testing procedures?
No. Clients are not permitted to enter laboratory work areas or oversee testing procedures. Samples must be submitted only at the confirmed drop-off location in accordance with laboratory safety and compliance protocols.
Submission & scheduling (continued)
Do I need to notify the facility before delivering my samples?
Yes. Kindly inform the facility prior to delivering your samples so that receiving arrangements can be made. Unannounced deliveries may cause delays in processing.
Payment & fees
Is a down payment required?
Yes. A 50% down payment is required to confirm the test schedule. Bank details will be provided upon confirmation of your request.
When is full payment due?
Full payment must be completed prior to the release of results. Results will not be sent until payment has been settled in full.
Are shipping costs included in the service fee?
No. All fees are exclusive of shipping costs. Clients are fully responsible for the cost of delivering samples to the facility.
Results & turnaround
When will I receive my results?
Results will be sent via email 2 to 3 working days after the scheduled analysis, subject to the completion of full payment and the absence of technical interruptions or unforeseen delays.
Will I get my samples back after analysis?
No. SEM analysis is destructive in nature, and samples will not be returned after testing. Please submit only the minimum amount of material necessary for the analysis.
What if clear images cannot be obtained due to my sample's condition?
The facility does not guarantee specific morphological features or imaging outcomes if results are limited by sample quality. Proper sample preparation — including thorough drying and correct sizing — is the client's responsibility.
Confidentiality & liability
Are my results kept confidential?
Yes. All data, images, and information are treated as strictly confidential. Results will not be shared with any third party without written consent from the client.
Who owns the data and results generated from the analysis?
All SEM and EDX results and data remain the property of the client. The facility retains the right to use anonymized data for internal training or demonstration purposes only, unless the client explicitly requests otherwise in writing.
For inquiries and scheduling
Contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
admin@inanolab.com
0929 805 1084
www.inanolab.com