Refinement of high precision Ru isotope analysis using negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract

A refined method for the isolation, purification, and high precision measurement of Ru isotope compositions in natural samples by negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry (N-TIMS) is reported. After chemical purification of Ru using ion exchange chromatography and microdistillation techniques, the Ru isotopic composition is measured as RuO3− via N-TIMS. Data are corrected for oxide interferences using the simultaneously measured oxygen isotope composition, and subsequently for mass fractionation using an exponential law. Repeat analyses of an Alfa Aesar Ru standard solution demonstrate external reproducibility of 100Ru/101Ru to ±6.4ppm (2SD). This level of precision is more than two times better than prior techniques. Repeat analyses of gravimetrically prepared mixtures of a natural Alfa Aesar Ru standard and a 100Ru enriched spike show that isotopic differences of ≥13ppm can be resolved by single measurements of a material using this method. Repeat analyses of diverse terrestrial materials (chromitites and Os-Ir-Ru alloys) are characterized by compositions that are identical to the Alfa Aesar standard, and the external reproducibility for these materials is also identical to that of the chemically pure standard, demonstrating that chemical separation/purification methods introduce no bias to the analysis. These materials likely define the Ru isotopic composition of the Earth's mantle.