<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 2nd June 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezGCMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application notes by <strong>Agilent Technologies, LECO </strong>and<strong> Shimadzu </strong>and technical note by<strong> Thermo Fisher Scientific</strong>!</p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: Measuring Total Naphthalene Hydrocarbons in Aviation Fuels by UV-Vis Spectroscopy</strong></h3><h5><strong>Optimizing photometric accuracy and streamlining data handling with the Agilent </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+3500+UV-Vis"><strong>Cary 3500 UV-Vis</strong></a></h5><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_aviation_fuel_naphthalene_cary_3500_uv_vis_5994_8266en_agilent_446d649a67.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>UV-Vis spectroscopy can be used to provide a simple and quick qualitative analysis of aviation engine performance by measuring the concentration of component hydrocarbons in turbine fuel samples.&nbsp;</p><p>One method of evaluating aviation engine performance includes characterizing fuel combustion. Naphthalene, a hydrocarbon composed of two aromatic rings and classified as a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon<sup>1</sup>, is commonly used as a fuel additive in kerosene. Low levels of acenaphthene and alkylated derivatives of these hydrocarbons may also be present in jet fuels. Although these naphthalenes constitute only a small percentage of a fuel sample's volume, they disproportionately contribute to the level of particulate matter in engine exhaust.<sup>2</sup> They also contribute soot, smoke, and thermal radiation as a result of incomplete combustion.<sup>3</sup> Since these combustion properties indicate lower fuel efficiency and a higher risk of pollutant emissions<sup>4</sup>, it is essential to calculate the total concentration of naphthalene hydrocarbons&nbsp;in aviation fuel.&nbsp;</p><p>Through qualitative absorbance measurements and quantitative calculations, the total concentration of naphthalene in a jet fuel sample can be determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy. This application note demonstrates the benefits of the Agilent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+3500+UV-Vis"><strong>Cary 3500 UV-Vis spectrophotometer</strong></a> and Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+UV+Workstation"><strong>Cary UV Workstation </strong></a>v1.6 for determining the total concentration of naphthalene hydrocarbons in three Jet&nbsp;A-1 fuel samples.</p><h4><strong>Experimental</strong></h4><h5><strong>Instrumentation</strong></h5><p>Once the solvent control and sample cells had been prepared, the absorbance was measured using an Agilent Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis (Figure 1), using the parameters listed in Table 1. The Multicell module enables a user to measure up to seven samples and a reference simultaneously. In this experiment, the three fuel samples were measured altogether, and absorbance spectra were collected on one graph. The absorbance measurements of the samples were then compared to the spectroscopic isooctane (solvent control) at 285 nm.</p><h4><strong>Results and discussion</strong></h4><h5><strong>Qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples</strong></h5><p>The Cary UV Workstation v1.6 includes functional tools that help users produce and analyze results within a single program, simplifying the analysis. Both the operating parameters and calculation methods were set up using a new batch within the Scan application program. Users can choose to collect absorbance over a wavelength range or at a specified wavelength or wavelengths. In this study, the 240 to 350 nm wavelength region was scanned so that the shape of the absorbance spectrum could be analyzed.&nbsp;</p><p>To evaluate the concentration of total naphthalene present within the jet fuel samples, three calculations were input into the "end of sequence analysis" feature, as shown in Figure 2. Analysis 1 was used to calculate the volume percentage (volume %) of naphthalenes in the samples, using mass percentage (mass %), and relative density values of the naphthalenes (1) and fuel (0.8).<sup>5</sup>&nbsp;</p><p>Analysis 2 was used to calculate the mass percentage (mass %) of naphthalenes in the jet fuel samples using the absorbance value at 285 nm (A), mass of respective sample in grams (W), and two constants, 0.10 (K) and the average absorptivity of the C10 to C13 naphthalenes at 285 nm, 33.7&nbsp;L/g·cm.3 Weight was added into the sequence analysis setup, using the customizable parameters feature, which allows the user to tailor the variable and unit to their choice (Figure 2).&nbsp;</p><p>Analysis 3 was used to find the absorbance (Abs) at 285 nm, using the "value at (285)" equation.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>The Agilent Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis spectrophotometer and Agilent Cary UV Workstation v1.6 software enabled an efficient and straightforward analysis of the total concentration of naphthalene hydrocarbons in jet turbine fuels. The reliability of the Cary 3500 was demonstrated through its precise and repeatable absorbance&nbsp;measurements. Retrieving saved methods and using automated in-sequence calculations in the software streamlined data collection and analysis, eliminating the need for manual input, offline calculations, or external software. Also, the integrated reporting functionality within the software ensured efficient result consolidation and facilitated easy information review. The Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis with Cary UV Workstation v1.6 provides a fast, reliable, robust, and user-friendly methodology for fuel quality assessment.</p><h3><strong>2. LECO: Determination of Carbon and Nitrogen in Coal and Coke</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CN_928_CN_COAL_COKE_203_821_685_6a3c0ab72e.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Carbon and Nitrogen determination is part of the ultimate analysis of coal and coke fuel material, aiding in characterizing the material and providing information that can be utilized in calculating material/energy balances and efficiencies, as well as emission potentials for the coal and coke fuel. The Carbon and Nitrogen results for a coal material are also utilized to evaluate the reactivity potential for its use in a liquefaction or gasification process.</p><h4><strong>Instrument Model and Configuration&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=24&amp;search=CN928"><strong>LECO CN928</strong></a> is a macro combustion Carbon and Nitrogen determinator that utilizes a pure Oxygen environment in a high-temperature horizontal ceramic combustion furnace, utilizing ceramic boats designed to handle macro sample masses. A thermoelectric cooler removes moisture from the combustion gases before they are collected in a ballast. The gases equilibrate and mix in the ballast before a representative aliquot (3 cm<sup>3</sup> or 10 cm<sup>3</sup> volume) of the gas is extracted and introduced into a flowing stream of inert carrier gas (Helium or Argon) for analysis. The aliquot of gas is carried through a heated reduction tube, filled with Copper, to convert Nitrogen Oxide combustion gas species (NO<sub>x</sub>) to Nitrogen (N<sub>2</sub>). The aliquot of gas is then carried to a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) cell for the detection of Carbon (as CO<sub>2</sub>) and a thermal conductivity cell (TC) for the detection of Nitrogen (N<sub>2</sub>).&nbsp;</p><p>Thermal conductivity detectors work by detecting changes in the thermal conductivity of the analyte gas compared to a reference/carrier gas. The greater the difference between the thermal conductivity of the carrier gas and the analyte gas, the greater the sensitivity of the detector. The CN928 supports either the use of Helium or Argon as the instrument's carrier gas. When used as a carrier gas, Helium provides the highest sensitivity, and the best performance at the lower limit of the Nitrogen range. The thermal conductivity difference between Argon and Nitrogen is not as great as the thermal conductivity difference between Helium and Nitrogen, therefore the detector is inherently less sensitive when using Argon as a carrier gas.&nbsp;</p><p>The LECO CN928 offers the additional advantage of 3 3 utilizing either a 10 cm<sup>3</sup> aliquot loop or a 3 cm<sup>3</sup> aliquot loop within the instrument's gas collection and handling system. The 10 cm<sup>3</sup> aliquot loop optimizes the system for the lowest 3 Nitrogen range and provides the best precision. The 3 cm<sup>3</sup> aliquot loop extends reagent life expectancy by approximately three-fold when compared to the 10 cm<sup>3</sup> aliquot loop, while providing the lowest cost-per-analysis with minimal impact on practical application performance.</p><h4><strong>TYPICAL RESULTS</strong></h4><p>Data was generated in compliance with ASTM D5373, utilizing a linear, full regression calibration for Carbon determination and a linear, force through origin calibration for Nitrogen determination, using fractional masses (0.17 g to 0.30 g) of LECO 502-642 (Lot 1020) LCRM Phenylalanine (65.45% C, 8.46% N). The calibrations were verified using LECO 502-896 (Lot 1007) LCRM EDTA (41.14% C, 9.59% N). Coal and coke samples were analyzed as received and corrected for moisture in accordance with ASTM D5373. Samples were weighed and analyzed at ~0.20 grams.</p><h3><strong>3. Shimadzu: FTIR Analysis of Kidney Stone Using IRSpirit-TX</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_04_ad_0313_en_ff978eaa63.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h5><strong>User Benefits</strong></h5><ul><li>FTIR analysis of kidney stones can be easily performed with minimal sample preparation using QATR -S.</li><li>Quick identification of kidney stone composition is possible with LabSolutions<sup>TM</sup> IR software by searching the measured<br>spectrum against the IR Kidney Stones Library</li></ul><p>In the field of nephrology, FTIR analysis of kidney stones is a critical tool for studying nephrolithiasis etiology. The primary purpose of this analysis is to accurately identify the chemical composition of kidney stones, which can vary significantly among individuals. Thisinformation may provide insightsinto underlying metabolic disorders or dietary factors.&nbsp;</p><p>By employing FTIR spectroscopy, researchers can obtain detailed spectral data that enablesthe precise classification ofstones,such as calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, or cystine [1]. This information can be beneficial for understanding the characteristics of kidney stones, potentially informing future research directions. Furthermore, FTIR analysis requires only a small volume of sample, allowing analysts to reserve more samples for other analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry.&nbsp;</p><p>This Application News describes the simple workflow of kidney stone sample preparation and measurement by attenuated total reflection (ATR) method, followed by composition identification through a library search with the IR Kidney Stones Library.</p><h4><strong>Analysis Conditions</strong></h4><p>The pulverized sample was measured using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=IRSpirit-TX"><strong>IRSpirit-TX </strong></a>and QATR-S accessory (Fig. 1) with a zinc selenide (ZnSe) prism. A spatula of the powdered sample was pressed on the prism and measured under the analysis conditions specified in Table 1.</p><h4><strong>Compositional Analysis of Kidney Stone</strong></h4><p>ATR correction was performed on the acquired sample spectrum for better matching since the IR Kidney Stones Library is based on transmission spectra. Based on the search results as shown in Fig. 3, the sample spectrum closely resembles a mixture of carbonate apatite and struvite.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>In this application news, the ATR technique using IRSpirit-TX is presented as a quick and easy solution for kidney stone characterization. This method provides valuable information that can enhance the understanding of the various factors associated with nephrolithiasis, potentially informing future research and studies in this area.</p><h3><strong>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Reaching sub-ppm limits of detection for carbon, nitrogen and oxygen with the </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1690"><strong>Element GD Plus GD-MS</strong></a></h3><ul><li>Technical note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/tn_001935_CNO_option_tn001935_en_1effc0f17a.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Manufacturers of semiconductor materials and high purity metals use a number of different analytical techniques to assess the purity of the materials that they produce. Glow discharge mass spectrometry (GD-MS) is a popular tool for analyzing a wide range of metallic and non-metallic impurities. However, the quantification of gas phase elements like trace carbon, nitrogen and oxygen within materials has traditionally been accomplished through combustion techniques, requiring a second analytical instrument.&nbsp;</p><p>The fast flow source of the Thermo Scientific™ Element™ GD Plus GD Mass Spectrometer is well suited for analyzing gas phase elements like C, N and O. This is because the high discharge gas flow can rapidly remove water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen which could be adsorbed on surfaces. However, achieving low detection limits for carbon, nitrogen and oxygen requires a sufficiently clean argon discharge gas.&nbsp;</p><p>In this technical note, we introduce the CNO option for the Element GD Plus GD-MS. The CNO option cleans the argon discharge gas through purification units adsorbing moisture, carbon dioxide and nitrogen traces from the argon gas supplied. This allows sub-ppm limits of detection to be achieved for carbon, nitrogen and oxygen.</p><h5><strong>What is the CNO option?&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>The CNO option of the Element GD Plus GD-MS provides the tools to analyze ppm and sub-ppm levels of atmospheric gas elements in samples. The fast-flow source of the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1690"><strong> Element GD Plus GD-MS</strong></a> is uniquely suited for the analysis of gas phase elements. The high discharge gas flow removes atmospheric contaminants, mainly H<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> , and N<sub>2</sub> and O<sub>2</sub> that have been adsorbed onto the surfaces. The CNO option cleans the incoming discharge gas, allowing low levels of detection for carbon, nitrogen and oxygen.</p><p>The CNO option offers an alternative gas line for the discharge argon gas (Figure 1). Argon gas is led to the source through a moisture trap and a gas purifier before entering the instrument via a mechanical valve. This is used when low carbon, nitrogen and oxygen backgrounds are required. The CNO option consists of four key components (Figure 1, blue line):&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Moisture trap: which acts as a pre-filter for C (CO<sub>2</sub>) and O (H<sub>2</sub>O)&nbsp;</li><li>Heated gas purifier: which traps C, N and O&nbsp;</li><li>Mechanically adjustable valve: high purity valve to regulate the flow of purified argon&nbsp;</li><li>High purity, high quality steel capillaries: avoiding any polymer sealings and keeping the number of connections to a minimum</li></ul><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>We have demonstrated how the CNO option for the Element GD Plus GD-MS increases its versatility, allowing trace amounts of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen to be quantified simultaneously with a wide range of metallic and non-metallic impurities. The low LoDs for carbon (0.05 ppm), nitrogen (0.12 ppm) and oxygen (0.5 ppm) enable a wide range of samples to be screened for impurities. Coupled with the fast analysis times and sample loading times, the CNO option makes the Element GD Plus GD-MS the instrument of choice for trace elemental analysis of semiconductor materials and high purity metals.</p>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 23, 2025

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 27th October 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezGCMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application notes by <strong>LECO</strong>, <strong>Shimadzu</strong> and <strong>Thermo Fisher Scientific!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. LECO: Determination of Total Organic Carbon in Soil, Rock, and Shale by Acid Digestion and Combustion</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/C832_TOTAL_ORGANIC_CARBON_SOIL_ROCK_SHALE_203_821_679_b48939f659.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Total organic carbon (TOC) determination in soil, rock, and shale is a common analytical tool used for determining locations of natural hydrocarbon fossil fuel deposits. The organic carbon richness of rock samples (TOC%) is one of the most important parameters used in the evaluation of sediments as a potential source for petroleum or natural gas. TOC content controls the hydrocarbon generation ability of rock and the content of adsorbed natural gas within the rock, as it is the source material responsible for the formation of natural hydrocarbon fossil fuel deposits.&nbsp;</p><p>TOC determination can also be used for the assessment of soil quality in agriculture and as a quality control parameter for raw building materials. TOC content is one of the most important constituents of soil due to its capacity to affect plant growth as both a source of energy and a trigger for nutrient availability through mineralization. The determination of TOC is also an important quality control parameter used during the manufacturing of cement, from the raw material until the final product.</p><h4><strong>Instrument Model and Configuration&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The LECO C832 is a macro combustion carbon determinator that utilizes a pure oxygen environment in a high-temperature horizontal ceramic combustion furnace designed to handle macro sample masses. A weighed sample is combusted, and the combustion gases are swept from the furnace and through anhydrone tubes for the removal of moisture. The combustion gases are then carried to a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) cell for the detection of carbon (as CO<sub>2</sub>).</p><h4><strong>Typical Results&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Data was generated utilizing a linear, full regression calibration using fractional masses (~0.1 g to ~0.25 g) of LECO 502-950 LCRM Synthetic Carbon (0.14% C), LECO 502-696 LCRM Synthetic Carbon (1.01% C), LECO 502-905 LCRM Synthetic Carbon (5.00% C) and fractional masses (~0.1 g to ~0.5 g) of LECO 502-902 LCRM Calcium Carbonate (12.03% C). The calibration was verified with LECO 502-696 LCRM Synthetic Carbon (1.01% C).</p><h3><strong>2. Shimadzu: Determination of Metal Elements in Edible Oils Using ICP-MS</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00920_en_a8363ed014.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>User Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li>It is possible to accurately analyze metal elements in edible oils.&nbsp;</li><li>Edible oils can be analyzed using only dilution with organic solvents, which simplifies sample preparation and improves throughput.&nbsp;</li><li>The use of solvent-resistant peristaltic pump tubing enables the addition of internal standard elements in-line, even during the analysis of organic solvents, thereby eliminating the need for manual addition.</li></ul><p>Edible oils are essential in our diet. Analyzing metal elements in edible oils is crucial for ensuring food safety and preserving oil quality. The Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed1) (hereinafter referred to as CODEX) requires the management of heavy metals (such as arsenic and lead) present in edible oils. Additionally, metal ions such as copper, iron, and manganese in edible oils can act as oxidation catalysts, affecting the deterioration of the oil.&nbsp;</p><p>For the analysis of metal elements in edible oils, methods involving the acid digestion of the oil followed by analysis using ICP Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) or ICP Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) are known. While digestion with acid can remove the organic matrix, it also carries the risk of volatilizing or contaminating the analytes during the complex sample preparation process, which can lead to errors in the analysis results. Furthermore, the complex sample preparations are timeconsuming and limit throughput. Another method involves diluting edible oils with organic solvents and analyzing them by ICP-OES. However, with this method, it can be challenging to achieve sufficient sensitivity for the analysis of harmful trace elementssuch as As and Pb.&nbsp;</p><p>In this Application News, the ICPMS-2050 (Fig. 1) was used to analyze 25 metal elements by simply diluting edible oils with an organic solvent. Spike recovery tests are also performed to verify the validity of the analytical results.</p><h4><strong>Removal of Interference and Detection Limit&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>To analyze metal elements with high sensitivity in organic solvents, it is necessary to eliminate interferences caused by carbon from the organic solvent. For example, there are carbonderived polyatomic ion interferences such as 12C12C+ on 24Mg, 12C16O+ on 28Si, and 40Ar12C+ on 52Cr. By using collision mode with helium gas or reaction mode with hydrogen gas, these interferences can be eliminated, enabling sensitive analysis. As an example, Fig. 2 shows the calibration curve for Cr under each condition. In the No Gas mode, the influence of 40Ar12C+ results in a high background equivalent concentration (BEC), making it challenging to analyze trace amounts of 52Cr. However, in collision mode and reaction mode, interferences can be eliminated, reducing the BEC and enabling the analysis of trace amounts of 52Cr.&nbsp;</p><p>Additionally, the detection limits (DLs) are shown in Table 4. The detection limits were calculated as the concentration that gives a signal equivalent to three times the standard deviation (σ) of the calibration blank sample (STD0). Detection limits of arsenic and lead in edible oils were sufficient to monitor the CODEX standard values of 100 µg/kg (0.1 mg/kg).</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>In this Application News, the analysis of metal elements in edible oils was performed using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=ICPMS-2050"><strong>ICPMS-2050</strong></a> with the organic solvent injection system. Good spike recoveries were achieved, confirming that trace metal elements in edible oils can be accurately quantified with a simple sample preparation involving only dilution with organic solvents. Since it is possible to analyze without the complex proceduresrequired for acid decomposition, the risk of volatilization or contamination of the analytes during the sample preparation process is reduced. Additionally, the use of solvent-resistant peristaltic pump tubing enables the in-line addition of internal standard elements, further reducing the time required forsample preparation.</p><h3><strong>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Fast routine analysis of trace and ultra trace elements in zinc alloys by Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_003108_ioms_gd_ms_element_gd_plus_zinc_alloys_an003108_em_en_34cfefa25e.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Zinc is used for different applications like corrosion protection, in fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and in energy storage as alternative for lithium-based batteries. Zinc alloys are used e.g. for die casting and as galvanizing alloys<sup>1</sup> . Corrosion of zinc-aluminum alloys is accelerated by small amounts of impurities, especially lead, cadmium, and tin<sup>2,3</sup>. Lead and other impurities such as antimony influence the morphology and orientation of electrolytically deposited zinc4 . To ensure consistently high product quality, the analysis of trace and ultra trace elements in zinc and its alloys is essential. There is an increasing demand to specify better grades of zinc and zinc alloys and therefore, better limits of detection are required. With the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1690"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ Element GD Plus™ Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometer</strong></a> sub-ppb levels of detection can be achieved, much lower than by Spark-OES and GD-OES. The Element GD Plus GD-MS is being used for quality control in routine production for different applications in industrial manufacturing environments. This document describes the fast direct determination of elements in zinc alloys down to ppb level.</p><h4><strong>Analytical setup&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The flat zinc alloys samples (Figure 1) are analyzed directly, and no digestion is required. The instrumental conditions for the analysis with the Element GD Plus GD-MS are shown in Table 1. To remove any potential sample surface contamination, fast presputtering in continuous DC mode was applied before the data acquisition. Depending on the sample preparation (e.g. milling or grinding), the resulting degree of surface contamination, and the limits of detection required, lower presputter times can be used, leading to even higher sample throughput. Most elements are analyzed in Medium Mass Resolution (R = 4000). Gallium and Yttrium are analyzed in High Mass Resolution (R = 10000) to ensure an interference-free measurement by resolving the analytes from the ZnH and MgZn interferences.</p><h4><strong>Results&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The Certified Reference Materials BCR-357, BCR-359 and BCR-360 have been used to calibrate Mg, Fe, Ni, Cu, Cd, In, Sn, Tl and Pb in zinc alloys. The calibration lines are displayed in Figure 2, showing excellent linearity. This calibration was used for the quantification of elements in a zinc alloy sample. For the elements that were not calibrated, the Standard Relative Sensitivity Factors (sRSF) of the Element GD Plus GD-MS were used by the software for quantification. With the sRSFs, the semiquantitative results typically fall within ± 30 % of the true values. Table 2 shows the mass fractions for selected elements as well as the relative standard deviation (RSD) of three replicative consecutive measurements on the same spot. Mass fractions in the single digit ppb range can be quantified with ≤ 10 % RSD. For mass fractions ≥ 0.4 ppm the RSD was ≤ 2 %. For mass fractions ≥ 30 ppm the RSD was 1 %. When the result was below the Limit of Detection (defined as 3 x standard deviation of low concentration measurements), it is stated as &lt; Limit of Detection. With the method used, the typical Limits of Detection are in the low single digit ppb range.</p><h4><strong>Conclusions&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The Element GD Plus GD-MS is an extremely sensitive tool for determining trace and ultra trace impurities in solid samples. The calibration lines in zinc alloy matrices show excellent linearity. Mass fractions at the ppb and ppm level are quantified precisely and reliably. Single digit ppb mass fractions can be quantified with ≤ 10 % RSD. For mass fractions ≥ 30 ppm the precision was 1 % RSD. Interferences are safely eliminated in either Medium Mass Resolution (R = 4000) or High Mass Resolution (R = 10000). Automatic resolution switching within one second enables the routine use of the optimum mass resolution. Surface contaminations are removed by fast presputtering before the data acquisition. The analysis does not require a digestion and is fast with a sample throughput of approximately five samples per hour.</p>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 44, 2025

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News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 44, 2025

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 23, 2025

Upcoming events

42nd Informal Meeting on Mass Spectrometry

LECO Training Course CS-744/844 Series

SETAC Europe 36th Annual Meeting

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TOC Determination in Soil and Waste

Time to Go PRO: Discover the future of ICP-OES analysis

Cement Clinker Preparation and Microscopic Examination