Centralized Resource Laboratory (CRL)

Centralized Resource Laboratory (CRL)

Centralized Resource Laboratory (CRL) is a specialized research and analytical laboratory located at the University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan. The laboratory operates in association with the Department of Physics and provides access to advanced scientific instruments and analytical facilities for researchers, students, academic departments, institutions, and other approved users.

The Centralized Resource Laboratory was established to make sophisticated and relatively high-cost scientific equipment available through a centralized facility rather than requiring individual departments and research organizations to purchase and maintain the same equipment separately. This model allows multiple research groups and scientific disciplines to access advanced analytical technologies and supports interdisciplinary research.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) lists Centralized Resource Laboratories (CRL), University of Peshawar among the facilities providing access to scientific instruments under its Access to Scientific Instruments Program. This recognition reflects CRL's role as a shared analytical and research facility for scientific work.

CRL supports research involving materials characterization, chemical analysis, microscopy, thermal analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy, mechanical testing, and other scientific investigations. The laboratory has been used in academic and research projects involving areas such as nanotechnology, materials science, chemistry, environmental analysis, food science, physics, biotechnology, and related disciplines.

The laboratory's analytical capabilities include advanced microscopy and characterization techniques. Available documentation associated with CRL lists instruments and analytical facilities such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and other specialized techniques.

Researchers can submit samples for specific analytical investigations according to the laboratory's procedures. The CRL analysis requisition documentation includes sample information, the requested analysis, applicant details, and recommendations or approvals where applicable. The documented analysis options cover a wide range of scientific techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatography, diffraction, thermal analysis, elemental analysis, coating, sample preparation, and other specialized procedures.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) can be used for high-resolution examination of material surfaces and microstructures, while Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) can provide elemental composition information. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is used for crystallographic and material characterization applications.

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) can be used for elemental analysis and has been used in research involving the determination of heavy metals in environmental and other samples. Research published by academic institutions has specifically documented the use of AAS at the Centralized Resource Laboratory, University of Peshawar, for heavy-metal analysis.

Chromatography facilities such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography can support analytical research involving chemical compounds and different types of samples. Thermal and mechanical characterization facilities can also assist researchers studying polymers, materials, composites, and other scientific materials.

CRL is therefore particularly relevant to university researchers, postgraduate students, scientific organizations, academic institutions, and approved private-sector users who require specialized analytical testing or materials characterization. It is different from a conventional diagnostic medical laboratory that primarily performs patient blood, urine, or pathology tests.

The laboratory has also been referenced in recent University of Peshawar activities and research-related announcements, including positions and projects associated with the Department of Physics and Centralized Resource Laboratory.

Centralized Resource Laboratory can therefore be categorized as a Research Laboratory, Analytical Testing Laboratory, Scientific Laboratory, and Materials Characterization Facility in Peshawar. Users should contact CRL before submitting samples to confirm the current availability and operational status of a particular instrument, sample requirements, charges, and submission procedure.

Centralized Resource Laboratory (CRL)

Centralized Resource Laboratory (CRL), University of Peshawar provides specialized analytical, scientific testing, research, and materials characterization services. The documented analysis facilities include microscopy, elemental analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy, diffraction, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, surface characterization, and sample preparation.

Microscopy & Imaging

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
• Microscopic Imaging
• Surface Morphology Analysis
• Microstructural Characterization
• Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX)

Elemental Analysis

• Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)
• Elemental Analysis
• Heavy Metal Analysis
• Flame-Based Elemental Analysis
• Graphite Furnace Analysis
• Sample Preparation for Elemental Analysis

X-Ray Analysis

• X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
• Crystallographic Analysis
• Phase Identification
• Material Structure Characterization
• X-Ray Based Material Analysis

Chromatography

• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Gas Chromatography (GC)
• Chemical Compound Analysis
• Analytical Separation
• Chromatographic Sample Analysis

Thermal Analysis

• Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
• Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)
• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
• Thermal Behaviour Analysis
• Heat Treatment Studies
• Thermal Characterization of Materials

Mechanical Testing

• Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
• Mechanical Analysis
• Material Strength Testing
• Mechanical Characterization
• Material Performance Testing

Surface & Material Characterization

• Surface Area Analysis
• Pore Size Analysis
• Surface Coating
• Gold Coating
• Silver Coating
• Platinum Coating
• Carbon Coating
• Aluminium Coating

Spectroscopy & Optical Analysis

• UV-Visible Spectroscopy
• UV-NIR Analysis
• FT-IR Analysis
• Fluorimetry
• UV-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy

Sample Preparation

• Sample Grinding
• Sample Preparation
• Centrifugation
• Microtomy
• Deionized Water
• Liquid Nitrogen
• Laboratory Sample Processing

Additional Research Analysis

• Zeta Potential Analysis
• Flame Photometry
• Viscometry
• Bomb Calorimetry
• Volumetric/Analytical Measurements
• Research Sample Characterization

Research & Analytical Support

• Materials Characterization
• Nanomaterial Analysis
• Environmental Sample Analysis
• Chemical Analysis
• Academic Research Testing
• Industrial Research Testing
• Scientific Instrumentation Services

Important: Instrument availability and operational status can change. Historical CRL documentation shows some instruments as operative while others were out of order or operating with limitations at the time of that document. Therefore, users should confirm the current availability, charges, sample requirements, and booking procedure with CRL before submitting samples.