Matrix effects in the separation of rare earth elements, scandium, and yttrium and their determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

Abstract

Due to its sensitivity and reproducibility, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) has developed into a very promising technique in the determination of the rare-earth elements (REE), Sc, and Y. However, the changing composition of natural samples may cause severe problems during separation from concomitant elements (matrix elements). In this study a simplified version of REE separation from 8 major and 27 trace elements is proposed. Some major matrix elements, depending on their kind and quantity, cause a specific depression of recovery rates of light REE (LREE) during the ion exchange process. The separation characteristics of two similar resins are described. Some trace matrix elements are separated inadequately. This effect and the interference of matrix element residues after separation on the REE determination are quantified. Finally, some RE interelement interferences are described. The developed methods are verified by the analyses of reference materials.