ICP-OES Laboratory

ICP-OES is an analytical method for the determination of elements in the concentration range from μg/l to g/l. The ICP-AES laboratory uses an ICP5100 with vertical dual view (VDV) from Agilent. By using a vertically arranged torch is it possible to observe the plasma in both directions axial and radial. The simultaneous measurement of all elements of interest enables a short measurement time. This allows a high sample throughput and the processing of very small sample volumes as well.
The software offers several options for background correction. The Fast Automated Curve-fitting Technique (FACT) is particularly suited for interference correction of complex spectra. The spectrometer can be calibrated by using single or multi-element standard solutions as external calibration or by using an analyte addition.
The 5110 ICP-OES is utilized for the determination of major and trace elements in geological sample material in acidic and aqueous sample solutions. Only liquid samples can be analysed. Solid sample material is initially dissolved by using a suitable digestion process. The main application of our laboratory is the determination of rare earth elements including Sc and Y in geological sample material, furthermore Li, B, Al, Be, Co, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ti and various heavy metals. In consultation, it is also possible to determine additional elements depending on the digestion method, the type of sample material or the element concentration in the sample