X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF)

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry from a lithium borate fused bead can quantify a range of analytes when present in low and high concentrations.

XRF can be particularly useful for metals (such as Fe/Cu/Cr/Zr) as well as metalloids (such as Al/Si). Aliquots are fused with lithium borate (LiBO2) and lithium nitrate (LiNO3) in platinum crucibles and plate molds using the Katanax which heats the mixture at >1000℃. After the beads have cooled, they are read on the XRF. The XRF can accurately measure the concentration for a range of analytes and oxides present in the bead. Loss on Ignition (LOI) is used in conjunction to measure the volatile content of a sample, including the loss of water, carbon dioxide and organic matter. Samples are heated to 1000℃ when determining LOI.

AAL also offers pressed pellet analysis using XRF upon request.