Abstract
Knowledge of the elemental composition of geological samples is of high significance to research in Earth science. For whole‐rock elemental determination, complete sample digestion is essential to obtain bias‐free measurement results. In recent years, NH4HF2 digestion has been proposed for geological sample dissolution; however, this requires 3 h of sample evaporation and 6 h of re‐dissolution of residues. In this study a PTFE beaker, which can withstand 300 °C, was designed to increase the evaporation temperature, reducing the evaporation time to 15 min. Further investigations found that the insoluble fluoride residues formed during the high‐temperature evaporation stage significantly influenced the recoveries of Sc, Y, rare earth elements and Th. Among the tested strategies to suppress the formation of fluorides, the microwave heating method was the most efficient and robust. The optimised NH4HF2 digestion shortened the sample evaporation and re‐dissolution times from 9 h to 21 min, significantly reducing the time consumed for sample evaporation by a factor of ~ 26. A suite of silicate rock reference materials was analysed. The results for most elements were in agreement with reference values with a measurement bias of < 10%.
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.
