A simple method of target preparation for the bulk analysis of powder samples by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS)

Abstract

A simple and rapid procedure using a glue technique has been developed for the preparation of stable targets from powder samples for bulk analysis by LA-ICP-MS. The procedure was evaluated for the analysis of trace elements in SiC, of rare-earth elements in different types of silicate (rocks, sediments, and soils), and of Au and platinum-group elements in geological silicates. The test analysis was conducted using an IR laser in combination with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The recommended preparation procedure offers the possibility of different types of calibration, for example application of certified reference samples in combination with prepared spiked samples on a base of a natural or synthetic matrix, or addition calibration. The resulting calibration functions are linear over a range of several decades. The trueness of the results was evaluated by use of certified reference samples. Analytical concentration ranges, detection limits, and the relative standard deviations are reported.

Use of sol–gels as solid matrixes for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

“…The most popular approach involves the preparation of targets by mixing a suitable solid matrix with analytes in aqueous or solid form, followed by pelletization in an hydraulic press, either without a binder [11] or using KBr [12], powdered Ag [13], cellulose [14], graphitic carbon [15] or even glue [16]. However, many reports have questioned the reliability of the approaches described above, due to the signal fluctuations caused by the inhomogeneous dispersion of the spiked elements in the solid targets.…”

Comparison of double-pulse and single-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy techniques in the analysis of powdered samples of silicate raw materials for the brick-and-tile industry

“…On the other hand, a silver powder was found to be the best binder for the analysis of soils by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (LA-ICP-OES) from the viewpoint of pellet cohesion and behaviour [17,18], while pellets bound with KBr crumbled [17]. Microcrystalline cellulose [19], metal powders [17,18], polyvinylalcohol [20] and glue [21] were used as binders for LA-ICP spectrometry. Analyses of soils as binderless pellets have been reported [19,22].…”

Influence of binders on infrared laser ablation of powdered tungsten carbide pressed pellets in comparison with sintered tungsten carbide hardmetals studied by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

“…Cellulose, metal powders [14,16,17], methyl metacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol [18], Teflon or poly(ethylene glycol) [19] are all used as binders for pressing pellets. Another possibility is to cast the sample in a mould with methyl metacrylate [20]. A new possible pellet preparation technique has been developed based on a sol-gel formation procedure which creates highly homogeneous solgel targets [21].…”