Inorganic Trace Analysis
Quantitative determination of major/minor elements besides traces in materials is of techno-economic as well as societal importance. Our expertise is in the solution of complex and unique analytical challenges, in the context of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Be it regarding state-of-the-art or future materials, bio-compatible matrices, or environmental samples, our decennial expertise offers full quality and statitical robustness.
The development and deployment of consistent advanced analytical methods for the determination of critical traces in raw materials, e.g. rare earth elements (REE) in electronic waste, is necessary for the creation of a data repository. Main techniques operated in this research context are the following ones:
- Sample preparation procedures by different mill-steps such as shredder
- Pre-analysis information’s or semiquantitative analysis by x-Ray fluorescence spectrometry (WD-XRF). In some cases direct quantitative analysis is possible, e.g. steels.
- Sample digestion by microwave or high pressure asher (HPA) assisted
- Element measurement’s (ppm-%) by optical inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-OES)
- Element measurement’s (ppb-ppm) by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (QQQ-ICP-MS) with different reaction modes such as O2, H2, NH3 and He
- Non-metal determinations such as O, N , C, S and H for many matrices by combustion methods
- Expert lab in method development for inorganic element and ion analysis
