X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF)

GFZ - German Research Centre for Geosciences

last updated: July 20, 2023

About the Laboratory

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF)

GFZ - German Research Centre for Geosciences

@ Section 3.1 Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry

This Laboratory is part of:

Geochemistry Laboratories laboratory complex
Networks: Geo.X

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Description

For routine X-Ray fluorescence analysis, powdered sample material is fused to a glass disc. Therefore, the powered samples (grain sizes < 62 µm), as well as two Fluxana-samples are dried at ~100 °C, weighed, and melted on different heaters at temperatures between 400-1150 °C. The melt is then quenched to a glass disc and analyzed. We analyze major elements (wt% oxide) and some trace elements (ppm). Analyses are done with a PANalytical AXIOS Advanced.
The XRF Lab is associated to the ElMiE Lab. Information on how to apply for analyses and the general terms and conditions can be found here and here.

Instruments

X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer (XRF: Primary X-Rays are used to excite (fluoresce) X-rays in the specimen. A fused disc or pressed pellet is used for the determination of major element concentrations or trace element abundances in a bulk specimen. The X-ray detector utilizes a set of diffracting crystals specially positioned to detect one characteristic X-ray at-a-time. This sequential measurement of X-rays is termed Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS). Additional information available at "http://www.nmnh.si.edu/minsci/labs/xrf.htm" (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3 [...] )
XRF - X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

Analytical Methods

Chemical process by which a sample is transformed into a glass. Fusion is commonly employed in XRF analysis. It typically consists of four steps: (1) mixing the sample with a fusion reagent and occasionally with an oxidant, in a crucible; (2) heating the crucible to a temperature where the fusion reagent melts; (3) agitating the crucible until the sample has dissolved; and (4) pouring the molten glass into a hot mold to form a flat glass disk of a given diameter after cooling, ready for measurement in the spectrometer. Alternatively, the molten glass can be poured into a swirling warm acid solvent near ambient temperature for dissolution. (Source: IUPAC; https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-0903)
Fusion
X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer (XRF: Primary X-Rays are used to excite (fluoresce) X-rays in the specimen. A fused disc or pressed pellet is used for the determination of major element concentrations or trace element abundances in a bulk specimen. The X-ray detector utilizes a set of diffracting crystals specially positioned to detect one characteristic X-ray at-a-time. This sequential measurement of X-rays is termed Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS). Additional information available at "http://www.nmnh.si.edu/minsci/labs/xrf.htm"
Measurement method of X-Ray fluorescence used to measure amounts of elements in a material. (Source: IUPAC; https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2019-0302) (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3 [...] )
XRF - X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis, XRF Spectroscopy

Laboratory Keywords

In addition to the instruments and analytical methods listed above, these keywords help to describe the work done in the laboratory. This may include the type of samples, standard materials, specific preparative or analytical methods and specific instrument characteristics.

Fusion Disks

Disciplines

Geoscience > Geochemistry > Geochemistry
Geochemistry

The Research Network for Geosciences in Berlin and Potsdam

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF)

GFZ - German Research Centre for Geosciences

About the Laboratory

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF)

Access

Description

Instruments

Analytical Methods

Laboratory Keywords

Disciplines

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