Abstract
Complete dissolution is essential to obtain accurate analytical results using ICP‐MS. In this study, decomposition techniques (i.e. acid digestions using Savillex Teflon vials, a high pressure digestion system and microwave oven, a combined lithium tetraborate fusion ‐ HF/HNO3 acid decomposition and sodium peroxide sinter) for the total dissolution of different types of geological reference materials have been investigated. Savillex Teflon vial HF/HNO3 digestion is effective for basaltic samples. The high pressure HF/HClO4 digestion (PicoTrace TC‐805 digestion system, Bovenden, Germany) allows dissolution of basalts and ironstones. Granites and magnetite‐rich samples can be dissolved using a high pressure HF/H2SO4 method. Geological samples cannot be effectively attacked by microwave acid digestion. A combined lithium tetraborate fusion ‐ HF/HNO3 acid digestion method allows complete dissolution of many different types of geological materials; however, this method precludes the determination of volatile elements due to the high fusion temperature (1000 °C). A sodium peroxide sinter method at 480 °C has the potential for the rapid determination of Y, Sc and REE in different types of geological materials. However, the lack of ultra‐pure reagents precludes the use of lithium tetraborate fusion and sodium peroxide sinter methods for the measurement of geological samples with low trace element abundances.
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