X-ray flurorescene (XRF) determination of trace rare-earth elements in geological samples using ion-exchange-resin membrane technique

Abstract

Rare-earth elements in samples of geological interest were separated from other elements and concentrated onto ion-exchange membrane through ion-exchange procedures. The membrane was then used to determine the REE by X-ray fluorescence spectrography. In comparison with the traditional “thick-specimen” approach, the requirement of sample (REE oxides) in this method was reduced from 10 to 1 mg. Variable-internal-standard-quantification method was adopted to determine the relative concentrations of REE collected on the membrane. The area density of the sample was controlled at about 0.0003 g/cm2, so that the matrix effect could be eliminated to a satisfactory extent. Interference calibration between the spectro-lines and the background determination was also improved, with the detection limit reaching 2.5×10−6g.