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Simple and cost-effective methods for precise analysis of trace element abundances in geological materials with ICP-MS

Chen, S.; Wang, X.H.; Niu, Yaoling; Sun, P.; Duan, M.; Xiao, Y.Y.; Guo, P.Y.; Gong, H.M.; Wang, G.D.; Xue, Q.Q.

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Authors

S. Chen

X.H. Wang

Yaoling Niu

P. Sun

M. Duan

Y.Y. Xiao

P.Y. Guo

H.M. Gong

G.D. Wang

Q.Q. Xue



Abstract

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is the most commonly used technique to determine the abundances of trace elements in a wide range of geological materials. However, incomplete sample digestion, isobaric interferences and instrumental drift remain obvious problems that must be overcome in order to obtain precise and accurate results. For this reason, we have done many experiments and developed a set of simple, cost-effective and practical methods widely applicable for precise and rapid determination of trace element abundances in geological materials using ICP-MS. Commonly used high-pressure digestion technique is indeed effective in decomposing refractory phases, but this inevitably produces fluoride complexes that create new problems. We demonstrate that the fluoride complexes formed during high-pressure digestion can be readily re-dissolved using high-pressure vessel at 190 °C for only 2 h for 50 mg sample. In the case of isobaric interferences, although oxide (e.g., MO+/M+) and hydroxide (e.g., MOH+/M+) productivity is variable between runs, the (MO+/M+)/(CeO+/Ce+) and (MOH+/M+)/(CeO+/Ce+) ratios remain constant, making isobaric interference correction for all other elements of interest straightforward, for which we provide an easy-to-use off-line procedure. We also show that mass-time-intensity drift curve is smooth as recognized previously, for which the correction can be readily done by analyzing a quality-control (QC) solution and using off-line Excel VBA procedure without internal standards. With these methods, we can produce data in reasonable agreement with recommended values of international rock reference standards with a relative error of <8% and precision generally better than 5%. Importantly, compared to the widely used analytical practice, we can effectively save >60% of time (e.g., <24 h vs. >60 h).

Citation

Chen, S., Wang, X., Niu, Y., Sun, P., Duan, M., Xiao, Y., …Xue, Q. (2017). Simple and cost-effective methods for precise analysis of trace element abundances in geological materials with ICP-MS. Science Bulletin, 62(4), 277-289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2017.01.004

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 26, 2016
Online Publication Date Jan 4, 2017
Publication Date Jan 4, 2017
Deposit Date Feb 6, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Science Bulletin
Print ISSN 2095-9273
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 62
Issue 4
Pages 277-289
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2017.01.004

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