Voltammetric Determination of High Field‐Strength Elements (Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta) in Geological Matrices

Abstract

A voltammetric method for the determination of the high field‐strength elements Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb and Ta by adsorptive stripping of their tartrate complexes is presented. The applicability of the method to geological and metallurgical samples is illustrated by the analysis of certified reference materials (USGS BCR‐2 basalt, BCS‐CRM 388 zircon and Euronorm CRM 579‐1 ferroniobium). Suitable sample preparation techniques, involving fusion with LiBO2 and acidic and basic fluxes, followed by preliminary separation by anion chromatography are described. The method is rapid, affordable and environmentally friendly as it does not require problematic compounds such as hydrofluoric acid or toxic solvents and represents an alternative to more commonly used methods (AAS, ICP‐OES, ICP‐MS).

Slurry nebulisation ICP-MS direct determination of high field strength elements (Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf) in silicate rocks

“…[30][31][32] Organic compounds (e.g. tartaric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, malic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids) 33,34 also have been employed to form soluble HFSE-complexes in the nal solution; however, it is more difficult to purify these organic compounds than that of the HNO 3 or HF to avoid high reagent blanks.…”