A simple two‐stage column chromatographic separation scheme for strontium, lead, neodymium and hafnium isotope analyses in geological samples by thermal ionization mass spectrometry or multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

Here, a two-stage column separation scheme is developed for the concomitant isolation of Sr, Pb, Nd, and Hf from geological samples. The first column, which consists of three resin layers (AG50W-X8 ion exchange resin + Ln specific resin + Sr specific resin), separates the high field strength element + rare earth element, Sr and Pb from the matrices. Subsequently, Nd and Hf are further separated from the high field strength element + rare earth element fraction on the second column using 1 mL of Ln specific resin. The two-stage column process can be completed within about seven and a half hours for a batch of samples (20-30). The separated Sr fraction was ready for isotope ratio measurements by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. The Pb, Nd, and Hf fractions were converted to nitrate prior to isotopic analyses by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The feasibility of this new procedure is confirmed by the analyses of four international rock standards (BCR-2, AGV-2, BHVO-2, and JB-3), which yielded isotope ratios that were in good agreement with other published data.

Geochemical provenancing and direct dating of the Harbin archaic human cranium

“…Sample preparation and measurement methods followed that of Lei et al. 35 The measured 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio was corrected for mass fractionation by normalization to a constant 86 Sr/ 88 Sr ratio of 0.1194 using an exponential law. The isobaric interference of 87 Rb on 87 Sr was corrected using a natural 87 Rb/ 85 Rb ratio of 0.3857.…”

“…An MC-ICPMS (multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, Thermo Fisher Neptune) in Nanjing Normal University was used for the Sr isotopic analyses. Sample preparation and measurement methods followed that of Lei et al 35 The measured 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio was corrected for mass fractionation by normalization to a constant 86 Sr/ 88 Sr ratio of 0.1194 using an exponential law. The isobaric interference of 87 Rb on 87 Sr was corrected using a natural 87 Rb/ 85 Rb ratio of 0.3857.…”

A single-column separation procedure for Sr, Nd, and Sm in small-size samples and high-precision isotope measurements using a TIMS with 1013 and 1012 Ω amplifiers

“…For conventional Sr and Nd isotope analyses, the sample weight is typically more than 50 mg. [20][21][22][23] To eliminate matrix elements and isobaric interference elements for high-precision isotopic analysis, the purication of Sr and Nd commonly employed two-step, [23][24][25][26] three-step, 21,[27][28][29] or four-step 30 chromatography methods, which are tedious and time-consuming. Furthermore, the complex separation scheme may introduce higher total procedural blanks.…”

An automated parallel multi‐channel chromatographic system for isotopic analysis – Demonstration considering Sr

“…Column chromatography is the most common technique for sample preparation [1][2][3][4][5]. However, traditional manual drip chromatography is tedious and time-consuming.…”