<h4>Overcoming matrix suppression and signal drift in environmental samples and industrial brines</h4>As demand for lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), and environmental monitoring continues to grow, laboratories are increasingly challenged by one of the most difficult sample types in elemental analysis: high-salinity waters. Whether analyzing lithium-rich underground brines for electric vehicle battery production or monitoring seawater and brackish water for environmental compliance, laboratories require a solution that combines sensitivity, robustness, and productivity.The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487">Thermo Scientific iCAP MSX ICP-MS</a> addresses these challenges by delivering reliable trace element analysis across a wide range of salt concentrations—from seawater to highly concentrated brines containing up to 25% sodium chloride.<h3>Why high-salt samples challenge ICP-MS</h3>Brines and seawater present significant analytical obstacles. High dissolved solids can cause:<ul><li>Signal drift and matrix suppression</li><li>Nebulizer blockages</li><li>Torch injector fouling</li><li>Interface cone contamination</li><li>Increased maintenance and downtime</li></ul>Traditional workflows often require extensive manual dilution, frequent recalibration, and additional operator intervention. These steps reduce throughput and increase operating costs.<h3>A unified solution for brines and seawater</h3><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_4_78a4a8997a.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Trace Metal Analysis in High Salt Matrices by ICP-MS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_4_78a4a8997a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1808" height="900">The iCAP MSX ICP-MS leverages integrated Argon Gas Dilution (AGD) technology to enable direct analysis of challenging high-matrix samples while maintaining excellent sensitivity and stability.Key advantages include:<ul><li>Analysis of brines up to 25% NaCl without manual dilution</li><li>High matrix tolerance with the AGD High setting</li><li>Automated tuning and instrument health monitoring</li><li>Stable internal standard performance</li><li>Reduced maintenance requirements</li><li>Consistent data quality across varying salt concentrations</li><li>Reduced sample handling, dilution apparatus, and potential for contamination</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_3_785f2e2d29.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Trace Metal Analysis in High Salt Matrices by ICP-MS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_3_785f2e2d29.jpg 221w," sizes="100vw" width="1400" height="989">This unified approach allows laboratories to use a single method for multiple sample types, improving efficiency and simplifying operations.<h3>Engineered for robustness</h3>Several hardware innovations contribute to the system’s performance:Collision / Reaction Cell The Thermo Scientific QCell Collision / Reaction Cell utilizes a proprietary Flatapole design and integrated low-mass cutoff technology to provide effective interference removal while maintaining high ion transmission and sensitivity.RAPID lens technology The Right Angle Positive Ion Deflection (RAPID) lens system uses a fully focused 90-degree ion deflection design that helps keep the mass spectrometer maintenance-free after the interface region.Flexible AGD operation Unlike alternative matrix-handling approaches, AGD offers selectable dilution levels fully integrated within the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Thermo Scientific Qtegra Intelligent Scientific Data Solution (ISDS) software</a>, simplifying operation while maintaining performance.<h3>Supporting the growing lithium and rare earth economy</h3>The rapid expansion of electric vehicle production has intensified the need for reliable impurity analysis in lithium-rich underground brines. Accurate determination of trace metals and rare earth elements is essential for:<ul><li>Resource characterization</li><li>Process optimization</li><li>Product quality assurance</li><li>Regulatory compliance</li></ul>The ability to analyze both concentrated brines and seawater using a single workflow enables laboratories to support upstream extraction, refining operations, and environmental monitoring with greater efficiency.<h3>Improving productivity through intelligent automation</h3>Beyond analytical performance, the iCAP MSX ICP-MS is designed to reduce the operator’s workload through:<ul><li>Automatic instrument tuning</li><li>Integrated health monitoring</li><li>Hawk Consumables and Maintenance Assistant</li><li>Simplified maintenance planning</li><li>Reduced risk of unplanned downtime</li></ul>These features help laboratories maximize instrument uptime while maintaining confidence in data quality.<h3>Seawater validation data demonstrates excellent accuracy and sensitivity</h3>To evaluate analytical performance in a challenging marine matrix, seawater samples were analyzed both unspiked and with trace-element spike additions of 1 ppb and 0.1 ppb. The study included transition metals, precious metals, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) measured using KED mode.<h5>1 ppb spike recovery results</h5>The 1 ppb spike experiment demonstrated strong recoveries across most analytes:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_c27a27a631.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Trace Metal Analysis in High Salt Matrices by ICP-MS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_c27a27a631.jpg 110w," sizes="100vw" width="834" height="1180">The majority of REEs showed recoveries between approximately 102% and 116%, demonstrating excellent accuracy in a high-salt seawater matrix. Particularly noteworthy were Er (115.6%), Dy (114.9%), Yb (114.0%), and Gd (114.0%), highlighting the capability of the system for strategic element monitoring.<h5>0.1 ppb spike recovery results</h5>Performance remained strong at ten-fold lower concentration levels:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_2_d045eb8be8.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Trace Metal Analysis in High Salt Matrices by ICP-MS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_2_d045eb8be8.jpg 115w," sizes="100vw" width="834" height="1129">These results demonstrate reliable quantification at sub-ppb concentrations, supporting environmental monitoring and trace impurity applications where ultra-low detection capability is essential.<h3>What does this mean for laboratories?</h3>The seawater data confirms that the iCAP MSX ICP-MS can deliver:<ul><li>Accurate recovery of trace metals and rare earth elements</li><li>Reliable measurements at low and sub-ppb concentrations</li><li>Excellent sensitivity across a broad elemental range</li><li>Robust operation in challenging high-salt matrices</li><li>A single workflow applicable for seawater, brackish water, and concentrated brines</li></ul>For laboratories supporting lithium extraction, critical minerals programs, environmental monitoring, or industrial process control, these capabilities translate directly into higher confidence in analytical results and increased operational efficiency.<h3>Conclusion</h3>As industries increasingly rely on accurate elemental analysis of high-salinity samples, laboratories need instrumentation capable of balancing sensitivity, robustness, and productivity. The<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487"> iCAP MSX ICP-MS </a>provides a comprehensive solution for both industrial brine applications and environmental seawater monitoring, delivering accurate recoveries, low detection limits, and reliable performance across some of the most challenging matrices encountered in ICP-MS analysis.From lithium extraction to environmental stewardship, the future of trace element analysis depends on technologies that can turn difficult samples into dependable data.<blockquote>Register for our on-demand webinar to learn more about the iCAP MX Series ICP-MS <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6398">New ICP-MS innovations to ignite productivity and efficiency in your laboratory</a></blockquote><ul><li>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#ICPMS #EnvironmentalTesting #REEs #ElementalAnalysis</li></ul>

Trace Metal Analysis in High Salt Matrices by ICP-MS

Colourful vortices, loops and currents resembling magnetic storms or abstract digital art. This is what maps of magnetically induced electron currents look like, created by an international team including chemists from CEITEC Masaryk University while studying molecules containing gold, mercury and the rare element astatine.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_4_7b12d14b21.jpeg" alt="CEITEC: CEITEC Chemists Capture Electron Storms in Gold and Mercury" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_4_7b12d14b21.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="834">What may at first glance resemble visualisations of outer space or ocean currents is in fact taking place inside molecules themselves. Here, electrons form complex currents and vortices whose shapes vary depending on the type of atom and the nature of the chemical bond.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_3_9e2f79434f.jpeg" alt="CEITEC: CEITEC Chemists Capture Electron Storms in Gold and Mercury" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_3_9e2f79434f.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="834">And this is where Einstein enters the picture. In heavy elements, electrons move so rapidly that their behaviour is influenced by the effects of special relativity. Without relativistic physics, some of these remarkable electron patterns would not exist at all.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_8_5fc3a0ed98.jpeg" alt="CEITEC: CEITEC Chemists Capture Electron Storms in Gold and Mercury" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_8_5fc3a0ed98.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="827">While some atoms are surrounded by almost perfectly symmetrical current flows, others generate distorted vortices or local turbulences resembling miniature electron storms. Using advanced computational methods, the researchers were able to capture these differences in unprecedented detail.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_5_0e0f36c76a.jpeg" alt="CEITEC: CEITEC Chemists Capture Electron Storms in Gold and Mercury" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_5_0e0f36c76a.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="834">The results provide not only new insights into the behaviour of heavy elements but also a visually fascinating glimpse into a world that normally remains hidden from human eyes.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_7_462defafce.jpeg" alt="CEITEC: CEITEC Chemists Capture Electron Storms in Gold and Mercury" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_7_462defafce.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="834">Scientists study such phenomena because the behaviour of electrons determines how stable molecules are, how they react, and what properties they possess. In heavy elements, however, the rules of classical chemistry often reach their limits – and relativity comes into play.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_01832dca81.jpeg" alt="CEITEC: CEITEC Chemists Capture Electron Storms in Gold and Mercury" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_01832dca81.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="834">A better understanding of these effects could eventually contribute to the design of new catalysts or materials based on heavy metals. For the researchers themselves, studying such electron structures is also a way of exploring one of the least intuitive realms of modern chemistry.The study was published in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.6c00346">JACS Au</a>.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_6_a2a8433b8b.jpeg" alt="CEITEC: CEITEC Chemists Capture Electron Storms in Gold and Mercury" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Chemici_z_CEITEC_zachytili_elektronove_boure_ve_zlate_a_rtuti_6_a2a8433b8b.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="834"><blockquote><h4>Original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacsau.6c00346">Link between Spin–Orbit Relativity and Magnetically Induced Current Densities in Heavy-Atom Hydrides: trans-Ligand Influence</a></h4>Daniel Blasco, Jan Novotný, James R. Asher, Raphael J. F. Berger, Stanislav Komorovsky, Radek MarekJACS Au 2026, 6, 6, 3323–3335<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.6c00346">https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.6c00346</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0&nbsp;</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>Interactions between individual atoms underpin the structure and behavior of matter. These interactions govern atomic positions and dynamics, as well as the organization of electrons─particularly in the frontier region. Because electrons lie at the core of chemical phenomena, numerous theoretical frameworks have been developed to rationalize the molecular structure and properties. Electronic motion within molecules and the resulting induced currents provide powerful probes of the molecular or supramolecular structure, building on and going beyond molecular orbital and valence bond theories. In particular, current density offers a spatially-resolved description of the electronic response to external perturbations, enabling direct analysis of electron delocalization and magnetic response in molecular systems. In this work, the effect of relativistic spin–orbit (SO) coupling on the strength and topology of the magnetically induced current density (MICD) is analyzed in depth for a series of model heavy-atom hydrides at the four-component Dirac-Kohn–Sham level. For the most simple molecules, TlH, HAt, and AuH, we demonstrate a connection between the SO effects on the molecular geometry, strength and topology of MICDs, and ligand 1H NMR shielding. For model HMX molecules, where M = AuI, HgII; X = F, Cl, Ph, CH3, H, SiH3, BH2, the hydride deshielding due to the slight elongation of the M–H bond upon increasing the trans-ligand influence (TLI) of X is shown to be marginal when compared to that originating from the electronic SO effect. In particular, the inclusion of SO effects gives rise to highly localized paratropic MICD vortices on the hydride position of those complexes bearing strong TLI ligands. Our results disprove the previously proposed governing role of the current around the metal atom (similar to the classical Buckingham-Stephens model for transition metal hydrides) associated with TLI-induced variations in the metal–hydrogen bond length in determining the characteristic ligand 1H NMR shifts.

CEITEC Chemists Capture Electron Storms in Gold and Mercury 

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 20th July 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies, Shimadzu and Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Analysis of Elemental Impurities in GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Oral Tablets by ICP-MS</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_glp_1_receptor_tablets_7850_icp_ms_5994_9317en_agilent_c355750808.pdf">Full PDF for download</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists represent a rapidly expanding class of therapeutics for the management of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. While many approved GLP-1 receptor agonists are administered by subcutaneous injections, oral formulations are generating significant clinical and commercial interest. However, formulating peptide-based therapeutics as oral solid dosage forms introduces additional manufacturing complexity, including the need for permeation enhancers, excipients, and coating materials. Each of these components presents a potential source of elemental impurity contamination. International or national-based regulatory authorities are responsible for ensuring that pharmaceutical products are both effective and safe for use. Control of elemental impurities in drug products is governed by the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Guideline for Elemental Impurities, Revision 2 (Q3D(R2))1 and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) &lt;232&gt;/&lt;233&gt; (Elemental Impurities — Limits and Procedures)2,3 using ICP-OES- or ICP-MS-based instrumental methods.The USP chapters classify 24 elemental impurities in three classes based on toxicity and probability of occurrence, with permitted daily exposure (PDE) limits defined by route of administration. Analytical method validation follows ICH Q2(R2) (Validation of Analytical Procedures, 2023)4 and the harmonized USP &lt;1225&gt; (Validation of Compendial Procedures)5 , with system suitability criteria defined in USP &lt;233&gt;.3 ICH Q2(R2) provides updated guidance on the validation of analytical procedures that is applicable to biological- and biotechnology-derived products. The revised guideline offers clearer guidance on complex therapeutics, such as peptide-based biotherapeutics, including GLP-1 receptor agonists—an area not specifically addressed in the earlier Q2(R1) framework.&nbsp;In this study, an analytical method was developed and validated in accordance with USP &lt;232&gt;/&lt;233&gt; and ICH Q3D(R2)/Q2(R2). The method enables quantitative determination of all 24 regulated elemental impurities in an oral tablet of a GLP-1 receptor agonist using an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=7850">Agilent 7850 ICP-MS</a>. The instrument features an integrated fourthgeneration Octopole Reaction System (ORS4) collision cell, which was operated in helium (He) mode to provide robust suppression of matrix-derived polyatomic interferences affecting the analytes. Data were acquired to evaluate drift/ stability, detectability, precision (repeatability and intermediate precision), specificity, accuracy, and linearity. <h4>Results and discussion&nbsp;</h4>Before being used for limit or quantitative procedures, the analytical instrument and method must meet performance criteria defined in ICH Q2(R2) and USP &lt;233&gt;. System suitability—verified by confirming that results remain stable (drift ≤ 20%) throughout the analytical run—must be demonstrated on the day of analysis. Separately, USP &lt;233&gt; requires procedure validation to demonstrate fitness for purpose: detectability, precision, and specificity for Limit Procedures; and accuracy, precision/repeatability, intermediate precision (ruggedness), specificity, limit of quantitation, linearity and range (demonstrated across 0.5–1.5 J) for Quantitative Procedures.<h4>Speciation considerations for As and Hg&nbsp;</h4>For some elements, toxicity is highly dependent on their chemical form. Of the analytes listed in the ICH/USP regulations, As and Hg are of particular concern. The PDE limit for both elements refers to their inorganic forms because inorganic As is the most toxic, and inorganic Hg is considered the most likely form to be present in pharmaceutical materials.&nbsp;If the measured total As concentration exceeds the target concentration, USP &lt;232&gt; suggests that a speciation analysis is performed using LC-ICP-MS to allow independent quantification of inorganic As. If inorganic As is found to be below the limit, the material would be considered compliant even if total As exceeds the limit. The speciation of Hg should be established if the test material is likely to contain the more toxic methyl Hg species (for example, ingredients sourced from marine-derived materials). Otherwise, compliance is established by determining total Hg.&nbsp;In this study, only trace-level Li (0.23 ppb) and Ni (0.07 ppb) were detected in the sample blank. All other elements were below the IDLs. Therefore, speciation analysis on As and Hg was not required. However, the 7850 ICP-MS can be easily integrated with an Agilent LC system for routine speciation analysis if needed.7<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>This study demonstrates the suitability of the Agilent 7850 ICP-MS for the identification and quantification of 24 regulated elemental impurities in a GLP-1 receptor agonist oral tablet formulation, prepared by microwave digestion. The instrument’s ORS4 collision cell was operated in helium mode, providing robust, non-specific attenuation of matrixderived polyatomic interferences. The method successfully met the limit and accuracy requirements specified in USP &lt;232&gt;/&lt;233&gt; and ICH Q3D(R2)/Q2(R2) guidelines, ensuring reliable multi-element quantification of GLP-1 tablets without the need for element-specific method optimization. For pharmaceutical QC laboratories, the Agilent ICP-MS MassHunter instrument control software assisted in developing the workflow, reducing the time and effort required to establish a compliant analytical method. The preset ICH/USP method template, automated J-value calculation, and built-in system suitability reporting eliminated manual configuration steps, making it easier for different analysts to use the instrument. The software also enables method transfer across sites. The demonstrated eight-hour signal stability performance of the 7850 ICP-MS further supports high-throughput batch testing in routine manufacturing QC environments.&nbsp;As ICH Q2(R2) provides improved clarity for validating analytical procedures used with peptide based therapeutics, including GLP 1 receptor agonists, this application note provides a regulation-ready reference method. The workflow can be directly adopted or adapted for oral solid dosage forms containing active peptide ingredients, supporting faster regulatory submissions and reducing analytical development timelines.<h3>2. Shimadzu: State Analysis of Iron Oxides in Sintered Ore for Steel Manufacturing after Hydrogen Reduction</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01029_en_ca7771b317.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User Benefits</h5><ul><li>The mineral structure of sintered ore can be investigated by quantitative mapping of Al, Mg, Si, Ca, and Fe.&nbsp;</li><li>EPMA analysis is a useful technique in research on the composition of the calcium ferrite phase due to differences in the reduction reaction depending on the furnace temperature.&nbsp;</li><li>Investigation of the oxidation state of iron is useful in study of the production conditions for sintered ore, such as oxidation and reduction.</li></ul>Foreign matter in CMP* slurrReduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is being promoted with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality in 2050. In the hydrogen reduction ironmaking process, iron ore is reduced with hydrogen (H2) in place of coke (C), forming water (H2O) instead of CO2, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. Targeting a reduction of 10 % or more in CO2 emissions, research on a hydrogen reduction technology using hydrogen in the blast furnace is now underway in the Japanese national project COURSE50, focusing on reduction of the heat requirement and optimization of the reaction conditions of the raw materials, together with circulating use of gas with a regenerated reduction capacity, by promoting hydrogen reduction, which is a smaller endothermic reaction than direct reduction by coke. Development of a Super COURSE50 technology has also begun, and will make it possible to inject a larger amount of hydrogen into the blast furnace. This article introduces a state analysis of the iron oxides in sintered ore, which was carried out by measuring the detailed spectra of micro-regions in sintered iron ore after hydrogen reduction using an EPMA electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA8050G).<h4>Phase Analysis of Sintered Ore after Hydrogen Reduction</h4>To identify differences in the oxidation valence, the element distribution images in Fig. 3 show oxygen (O) and iron (Fe) by the mass percentage concentration (wt%) of the simple elements. Fig. 4 (a) and (c) are Fe-O scatter diagrams showing the positions of the compounds by the theoretical concentration of iron oxide under low temperature and high temperature reduction, respectively. In Fig. 4 (a), the symbols 〇 and ▼ represent hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4), respectively, while in Fig. 4 (c), clusters (point-sets) can be seen in regions showing ☒ wustite (FeO) and compounds of iron (Fe). Fig. 4 (b) and (d) are phase diagrams in which filters were set by the Fe-O scatter diagrams (see Related Applications 3). In the phase diagrams, the purple regions are hematite, red regions are magnetite, green regions are wustite, dark blue regions are iron, yellow regions are magnesia ferrite, blue regions are calcium ferrite, and yellowgreen regions are slag. The sintered ore contains hematite and magnetite before reduction, but in the reduction reactions at the different furnace temperatures, the species of iron oxides are different depending on the furnace temperature. From the element distribution images and phase diagrams, it can be understood that metallic iron (Fe) has formed in the sintered ore subjected to hydrogen reduction at the high temperature of 1000 ˚C. The light blue region in Fig. 4 (d) is considered to be slag.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Quantitative mapping analysis and phase analysis of sintered ores after hydrogen reduction can be used not only in identification of iron oxide species and calcium ferrite, but also in structural analysis and research and development of the reduction process by utilizing state analysis from the detailed spectra of micro-regions.&nbsp;<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Accurate analysis of major components and trace level impurities in cathode active materials used in lithium ion battery production</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_003968_analysis_impurities_cathode_active_materials_lithium_ion_battery_production_an003968_na_en_97783566af.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) provide a compact and versatile solution for energy storage, powering everything from consumer electronics to electric vehicles (EVs) and large-scale energy systems. Currently, they are the most important power storage materials for EVs due to their power density and life cycle performance. The performance, longevity, and safety of a battery heavily depends on the purity and the composition of the components, especially the cathode material.&nbsp;To meet the required performance criteria (i.e., long battery lifetime and maximum achievable charge capacity), it is important to monitor not only the concentration ratio of the main components (typically nickel, manganese, cobalt, and lithium in nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries), but also trace impurities in both the precursor materials and the finished products. In general, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is the preferred analytical technique for the analysis of metals and related contaminants at low levels (sub μg·L-1). However, the analysis of samples containing higher levels of total dissolved solids (TDS, typically above 0.5% weight/volume (w/v)) is a known challenge in ICP-MS. The complexity of the sample matrix can significantly affect the sensitivity of the instrument, cause intensity fluctuation (suppression and drift), and lead to increased system maintenance with unwanted downtime due to clogging of the interface cone orifices, torch injector, or nebulizer. Diluting high matrix samples with argon gas allows direct placement on the autosampler, eliminating the need for manual, time-consuming, off-line dilution.&nbsp;A further challenge for the analysis of battery materials such as cathodes when using conventional, single quadrupole ICP-MS is the presence of polyatomic interferences generated by the principal components of the samples. For example, in addition to the well-known argon-based interferences, arsenic can be affected by a cobalt-based interference (59Co16O+). Since arsenic is monoisotopic at m/z 75, removal of this interference is crucial for accurate data. Furthermore, nickel oxide-based interferences can impact the determination of selenium using a single quadrupole ICP-MS system.&nbsp;This application note describes an optimized analytical method for the analysis of nickel, manganese, and cobalt (NMC) based cathode materials. To overcome the analytical challenges described above, a triple quadrupole ICP-MS instrument, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1488">Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ MTX ICP-MS</a>, was employed for the analysis. Use of triple quadrupole technology offered superior interference removal, and operation using Argon Gas Dilution (AGD) facilitated direct analysis of the samples derived from the digestion process. Adverse effects caused by the introduction of high matrix containing samples, such as more frequent maintenance, can also be reduced, thanks to the use of AGD. This enables more efficient laboratory workflow.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The iCAP MTX ICP-MS enables analysts to perform accurate and reliable elemental analysis in challenging samples such as digested cathode active materials. The proposed analytical method was evaluated for performance, and the results obtained clearly demonstrate the following analytical advantages for battery cathode sample analysis:&nbsp;<ul><li>The use of argon gas dilution (AGD) allows the direct analysis of acid digested samples so that labor-intensive manual sample dilutions can be omitted. At the same time, there is no increased need for system maintenance.&nbsp;</li><li>Using oxygen as a reactive gas in TQ-O₂ mode enabled sensitive, interference-free analysis of all analytes, including challenging ones like sulfur and arsenic.&nbsp;</li><li>Excellent CCV recovery and spike recovery results, as well as stable and consistent internal standards response, were obtained, demonstrating the reliability of the method<acknowledgement>The authors wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Taichi Murakami of Tohoku University Graduate School of Environmental Studies (GSES) for his generous cooperation in providing the samples and instructions regarding the data analysis in the preparation of this Application News article.</acknowledgement></li></ul>

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