Abstract
A second-generation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) was applied to lithium isotopic measurements. The high sensitivity of the ICP-MS enabled high precision (±0.82‰, 2 σ) analyses with small amount of Li (∼45 ng Li). A single-step column separation protocol was established with which rapid purification of lithium from rock solutions can be carried out with reduced blank (<10 pg). The influence of potential sources of error for acquisition of lithium isotopic data introduced during the separation, such as matrix effects and isotopic fractionation due to incomplete recovery, were examined with an artificially mixed solution of a composition similar to that of basalt, which was doped with Li isotopic standard reagent. The examinations demonstrated that our protocol suffered from negligible isotopic fractionation. The Li isotopic ratios obtained by our method for seawater and standard rocks (JA-1, JB-2, and JB-3) agree well with those of previously reported data by Moriguti and Nakamura [1,2], which were determined using a four-step column separation method and thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS). Our separation protocol combined with a sensitive MC-ICP-MS will enable Li isotopic analyses on silicate rock with low Li contents, such as meteorite and peridotites with increased sample throughput.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
