Determination of 87Rb/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr ratios and Rb–Sr contents on the same filament loading for geological samples by isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract

Isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS) is considered the “gold standard” for obtaining precise 87Rb/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios and accurate elemental concentrations of Rb–Sr. However, the classical ID-TIMS technique is laborious and time-consuming because the purified Rb and Sr fractions must be individually loaded onto different independent filaments due to severe 87Rb isobaric interference on 87Sr. To overcome this issue, we developed a new method whereby Rb and Sr were sequentially measured by TIMS on the same filament, without venting, to obtain both ratios of 87Rb/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr and concentrations of Rb and Sr. Results obtained from six silicate powders of certified reference materials are in good agreement with recommended values within ±0.002% for the 87Sr/86Sr ratio, ±2% for the 87Rb/86Sr ratio and the Rb and Sr elemental contents. The only exception is JG-1a, with slightly higher 87Rb/86Sr and slightly lower 87Sr/86Sr. This new method improved the analytical efficiency and sample throughput without compromising the analytical accuracy and precision. The filament consumption is reduced by 50% compared with conventional methods and therefore significantly reduces operation costs.