TRM - Ce, Co, Li, Mg, Tl, Y - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® TUNE25

Significance of the Topic

Aqueous calibration solutions are fundamental tools for ensuring accuracy and traceability in quantitative analysis across various spectrometric and electroanalytical techniques. ASTASOL® TUNE25 provides a multi-element standard with precisely known concentrations of Ce, Co, Li, Mg, Tl and Y, enabling laboratories to achieve reliable calibration and maintain consistent quality control.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document describes the preparation, characterization and intended application of ASTASOL® TUNE25, a certified reference material (CRM) designed to support calibration in atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), atomic emission spectrometry (AES), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), molecular absorption spectrometry and select electroanalytical methods. The key objectives are to assign accurate concentration values with defined uncertainties and to demonstrate homogeneity and stability over the product’s shelf life.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The solution is prepared gravimetrically using high-purity primary compounds (purities ≥99.98%) dissolved in 2% v/v sub-boiled HNO₃ and ultrapure water (resistivity ≥18 MΩ·cm). Traceability is established through comparison and calibration against NIST-traceable CRMs (AN 9011, AN 9012, AN 9030, AN 9032, AN 9062, AN 9067) using techniques such as AAS, AES and ICP-OES.

Main Results and Discussion

• Assigned concentration for each element (Ce, Co, Li, Mg, Tl, Y): 1.00 ± 0.01 µg/L at 20 °C (k=2).
• Total trace impurities in the final solution are below 0.005 µg/L.
• Homogeneity studies confirm uniform distribution of analytes across bottles.
• Stability testing over the 12-month shelf life shows no significant drift when stored between 5–30 °C and maintained at 20 ± 0.5 °C before use.

Benefits and Practical Applications

ASTASOL® TUNE25 enables precise multi-element calibration, reducing the need for single-element standards. Its certified values and uncertainty support rigorous quality assurance and compliance with ISO and GLP requirements. The formulation in 2% HNO₃ matrix facilitates direct use in common spectrometric workflows without additional acidification steps.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Expansion of multi-element CRMs to include emerging trace analytes relevant to environmental and biomedical analyses.
• Development of digital certification and blockchain-based traceability records to streamline regulatory compliance.
• Integration of CRMs with automated calibration systems and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for real-time data validation.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® TUNE25 offers a reliable, high-purity multi-element calibration solution with well-defined metrological traceability. Its robust characterization, combined with demonstrated homogeneity and stability, makes it an essential tool for quantitative analysis in diverse spectrometric and electroanalytical methods.

Used Instrumentation

• Gravimetric balances for precise weighing of primary compounds.
• Sub-boiled HNO₃ purification system (ANALPURE®).
• Ultrapure water system (≥18 MΩ·cm, 0.22 µm filtration).
• Atomic absorption spectrometers (AAS).
• Atomic emission spectrometers (AES).
• Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometers (ICP-OES).