CRM Al, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Si, Sr, V, W, Zn, Zr - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN9095MFN

Significance of the topic

The availability of multi-element aqueous calibration standards is crucial for ensuring accuracy and traceability in quantitative elemental analysis. Certified reference materials (CRMs) like ASTASOL® AN9095MFN enable laboratories to calibrate and validate methods such as AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, molecular absorption spectrometry and selected electroanalytical techniques.

Objectives and study overview

This certificate describes the production, characterization and certification of ASTASOL® AN9095MFN, an aqueous solution containing 18 elements (Al, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Si, Sr, V, W, Zn, Zr) each at a nominal concentration of 100 mg/L. The aim is to supply a traceable, homogeneous and stable calibration solution for routine and advanced analytical applications.

Methodology and instrumentation used

The CRM was prepared gravimetrically from high-purity primary compounds in a matrix of 5 % HNO₃ and 0.2 % HF in ultrapure water. Traceability to SI units was established through mass-based preparation. Certified values and uncertainties were verified by:

• Gravimetric determination (Li, Be, Mo, Sr, W)
• Complexometric titration with EDTA (Al, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, Zr)
• Instrumental methods: AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS calibrated with independent standards (e.g. NIST SRMs, in-house CRMs)

Major instrumental platforms included atomic absorption and emission spectrometers, ICP-OES and ICP-MS systems.

Major results and discussion

Each certified element concentration is 100.0 mg/L with an expanded uncertainty of ± 0.2 mg/L (k = 2) at 20 °C. The solution density was determined as 1.0361 g/cm³ ± 0.0005 (at 20 °C), yielding a mass fraction of 96.5 mg/kg ± 0.3. Trace impurities measured by AAS, ICP-OES and ICP-MS were below specified detection limits, confirming the high purity of the CRM. Homogeneity and stability tests demonstrated uniform element distribution and maintained stability throughout a five-year shelf life (unopened) and twelve months after first opening.

Benefits and practical applications

ASTASOL® AN9095MFN supports:

• Calibration of multi-element methods in environmental, pharmaceutical and industrial laboratories
• Validation of analytical procedures in QA/QC settings
• Inter-laboratory comparisons and proficiency testing schemes

Future trends and potential applications

As analytical instrumentation advances towards higher sensitivity and multi-element detection, demand for CRMs will grow. Future developments may include ultra-trace level standards, isotopically enriched materials and integration of digital certification linked to laboratory information management systems.

Conclusion

This certified reference material provides a robust, SI-traceable multi-element standard for a wide range of analytical techniques, ensuring accuracy, comparability and confidence in quantitative elemental measurements.

Instrumental setup

The following instrumentation was employed during certification:

• Analytical microbalance (gravimetric preparation)
• Titration system for complexometric assays
• Atomic absorption spectrometer
• Atomic emission spectrometer
• ICP-OES and ICP-MS systems calibrated with NIST SRMs

References

Key reference materials and methods used during certification include:

• NIST SRM 928 (multi-element standard)
• NIST SRM 3101a, 3105a, 3106, 3108, 3113, 3114, 3128, 3129a, 3132, 3134, 3136, 3153a, 3165, 3168a
• In-house primary standards for Si and W