Elemental analysis of paper and biomass with an ICP method

This metal screening analysis includes the semi-quantitative determination of 70 elements. The method can be used, for example, to determine the background concentrations of metals in environmental samples or to study the elemental distribution of unknown samples. Screening is also often performed to assess which metals should be analyzed by a quantitative method. The measurement is performed using a high-resolution ICP-MS technique (ICP-SFMS), which can identify very low elemental concentrations. A semi-quantitative determination of the following elements is included: Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, I, Ir, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, Os, P, Pb, Pd, Pr, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn and Zr. However, please note that some elements may not be determinable due to matrix interference. During this semi-quantitative analysis, the instrument is calibrated for about 30 elements. The rest of the analytes are quantified using sensitivity factors for calibrated elements with similar mass and first ionization potential, considering isotope abundances. Quantitative analysis is also available at an additional price. During this analysis, all elements are calibrated (excluding halogens and Os). Please ask for an offer for this service.

Determination of the total organic fluorine (TOF) content in combustible materials using combustion ion chromatography (CIC). By default, TOF is analyzed as total fluorine (TF). If required, total inorganic fluorine (TIF) can be measured as well, and TOF calculated as the difference between TF and TIF. TOF analysis gives information about the total amount of organic fluorinated compounds. It can also be used to evaluate the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the material, even though individual PFAS compounds can't be analyzed with this method. The analysis is suitable for many different materials. Please describe the sample in detail when requesting an offer to help us prepare a quote quickly.

Determination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen content of an organic sample. CHNS analysis (”LECO analysis”) is performed using a flash combustion method, where the sample is combusted under 25 kPa of O2 at an elevated temperature (1,000 °C), followed by gas chromatography separation and detection using a thermal conductivity detector. Oxygen is analyzed by reduction on granulated carbon at 1480 °C, utilizing high-temperature thermal decomposition and conversion of oxygen into carbon monoxide before gas chromatography separation and detection with a thermal conductivity detector. The sample can be either solid or liquid, but water in the sample affects the results. In the case of aqueous samples, it is possible to dry the sample before analysis. The displayed price includes the full CHNOS package with two parallel measurements and applies to conventional organic samples. The results are reported as wt-% of the initial sample. The addition of ash, drying, and dry loss measurements will increase the minimum required sample material to 300 mg. The analysis gives the total carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen content of the material, but it does not identify any chemical structures. The measurement can be combined with other methods, such as GC-MS, 1H, and 13C NMR, to perform substance structure identification. Analysis can be split into the following packages: CHN, O, and S.

Our δ13C stable isotope analysis determines the ratio of 13C to 12C in a given sample material by a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). Results are expressed in per mille (‰) as the deviation of the isotope ratio from a standard reference material. We have more than 30 IAEA, USGS, and in-house isotopic standards available to accommodate a wide range of expected ratios. The price and turnaround time displayed apply to conventional sample matrices. The analysis is suitable for a wide range of sample materials, including, but not limited to, those listed in the table below. All of our stable isotope analyses are conducted at ISO 17025-accredited facilities. Please contact us using the form below to arrange testing on your samples.

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is an additive used in diesel-powered vehicles to help the catalytic reduction of nitrous oxides. Thus, the use of AdBlue and other exhaustive fluids improves ambient air quality. DEF testing package according to ISO 22241:2019 includes the measurements listed below: Urea content (ISO 22241-2C), Density at 20 °C (EN ISO 12185) , Refractive index at 20 °C (ISO 22241-2C), Alkalinity as NH₃ (ISO 22241-2D), Biuret (ISO 22241-2E), Aldehydes (ISO 22241-2F), Insoluble matter (ISO 22241-2G), Phosphate (ISO 22241-2H), Determination of Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, and Zn content (ISO 22241-2I).

Spark-OES is a commonly used method to determine the elemental composition of metals and alloys. The method provides a better alternative to other similar analysis techniques (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRF) due to its speed and low detection limits. All metallic elements and some non-metallic elements, such as C, N, and S, can be detected in the ppm range. The method is suitable for solid metal pieces with a minimum size of 1 x 1 cm. Sample preparation is included in the analysis.

Determination of total organic carbon (TOC) content of water samples. The results of the analysis will be reported in mg/l.

Analysis of the specific surface area of porous, solid materials according to the BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) theory. Analysis can be performed with N2 or Kr gases, depending on the expected surface area of the material. BET curve and the specific surface area (in m2/g) are reported. The required sample amount depends on the expected surface area. As a rule of thumb, at least 5 m2 of surface area should be available for measurement. The following gas adsorption devices are used for this measurement: Micromeritics Gemini VII 2390, Micromeritics ASAP 2020, Micromeritics TriStar II 3020, Anton Paar Nova 800.

We have various testing services available for ultrapure water. Pricing depends on the selected parameters and the number of samples. Please contact Measurlabs to get an offer. Note that we will provide suitable shipping containers based on the analyses that are ordered. Trace elements by ICP-MS For the determination of elemental impurities, we offer a basic 36-element and an extended 67-element package. The basic package includes the following 36 elements: Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Sr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Ta, W, Pt, Au, Tl, Pb, and Bi. The extended analysis includes the following elements in addition to the basic package: Ce, Cs, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Hf, Ho, In, Ir, La, Lu, Hg, Nd, Os, Pd, Pr, Re, Rh, Rb, Ru, Sm, Sc, Se, Te, Tb, Th, Tm, U, Yb, and Y. Reporting limits depend on the element and specific sample matrix, but typically vary between 0.001 ppb and 0.6 ppb. For this analysis, samples must be delivered in Teflon containers. Hardness Hardness value can be calculated based on the ICP-MS results. Silicon and silica (Si, SiO2) Our service catalog includes the determination of total, dissolved, and colloidal silica (SiO2). Total silicon is analyzed using the ICP-OES technique, and dissolved silicon by UV-VIS (molybdenum heteropoly blue method). Colloidal silica is calculated as the difference between total silica and dissolved silica. Total organic and inorganic carbon (TOC and TIC) We offer TOC determination for ultrapure water samples with a 5 ppb quantification limit. For this analysis, samples must be delivered in certified 40 ml TOC vials. Total inorganic carbon (TIC) analysis can also be performed using a TOC analyzer. Anions by ion chromatography (IC) For anions, we have a basic package and a separate package for organic anions. The basic package includes the following anions: bromide(Br⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), fluoride (F⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), nitrite (NO₂⁻), phosphate (PO₄³⁻), and sulfate (SO₄²⁻). Analysis of organic anions includes: acetate, formate, glycolate, propionate, and butyrate. Reporting limits depend on the anion and sample matrix, but typically vary between 0.02 and 1 ppb for basic anions and are around 25 ppb for organic anions. For this analysis, samples must be delivered in HDPE bottles. Cations by ion chromatography (IC) The analysis package for cations includes the determination of the following cations: ammonium (NH4+), calcium (Ca2+), lithium (Li+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and sodium (Na+). Reporting limits typically vary between 2 ppb and 5 ppb. Samples must be delivered in HDPE bottles. PFAS compounds (24 compounds) Analysis includes PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and 20 other selected PFAS compounds. The complete list of compounds can be provided upon request. The reporting limit is typically 1 ng/L. The sample must be delivered in a plastic PFAS-free bottle, preferably made from HDPE.

Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) can be used to measure the composition of solid samples quantitatively at the surface as well as depth profiling. RBS is used for the analysis of heavy elements and can be combined with ToF-ERDA when lighter elements also need to be analyzed. Elements with similar mass can be difficult to differentiate.