Product Information

Experiments were conducted using a NEPTUNE Plus modified for higher mass resolution. This was coupled to an Elemental Scientific Apex Omega desolvating nebulizer system and an Elemental Scientific microFAST MC syringe driven flow injection system.

Large database of high-precision isotope ratio measurements (Sr, Nd, Pb, U, etc) are required in a wide variety of disciplines (geology, archaeology, anthropology, hydrology, forensics, etc) for both source tracing and understanding geochemical cycles. As a result, high throughput analysis is becoming increasingly important for many applications of radiogenic and non-traditional metal isotopes.

Uranium isotope ratio determination for nuclear forensics, nuclear safeguards and for environmental applications can be challenging due to the large isotopic differences between samples and because of the low abundance of 234U and 236U. For some applications the total uranium quantities can be limited, or it is desirable to run at lower concentrations for radiological protection. Recent developments in inlet systems and detector technologies allow small samples to be analyzed at higher precisions using MC-ICP-MS.

Sample-standard bracketing is a widely used standardization technique for the determination/comparison of precise isotope ratios by MC-ICP-MS, and for some non-traditional stable isotope systems, is the only method available. The frequency of standard bracketing increases with required precision and decreasing mass. This, combined with low sample introduction rates (typically < 100 μL/min), requires that a significant amount of time is needed for uptake and wash cycles. Sample throughput is therefore reduced.

Digested cathode powders were analyzed with the prepFAST MX+ connected to an Avio 500. This setup, powered by Xceleri software, allows for an automated standard addition method that provides more accurate results, less sample preparation, and reduced acid waste.