Send us a textThis episode focuses on manganese, an essential but often overlooked element in sample preparation and ICP analysis. Learn how manganese behaves in various matrices, from metals and alloys to oxides and organics, and discover tips for avoiding contamination during sample prep. We explore effective dissolution techniques using nitric and hydrochloric acids, strategies to stabilize manganese in solution, and how to manage interferences in ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing.Learn more abou...
Send us a textThis episode explores the challenges and solutions for working with tungsten in sample preparation and ICP analysis. Learn effective techniques for dissolving tungsten metals, alloys, and oxides, including the critical role of HF for stability. We also cover tips for avoiding hydrolysis and preventing tungsten trioxide formation. On the testing side, discover how to manage spectral interferences in ICP-OES and ICP-MS, along with strategies for addressing tungsten's notorious car...
Send us a textThis episode unpacks the complexities of preparing and analyzing molybdenum samples across various matrices. From metals and alloys to refractory oxides and biological samples, we explore effective methods for dissolution and stability. Learn about molybdenum’s unique behavior, such as its compatibility with ammonium hydroxide matrices and its interactions with HF. Discover tips for avoiding interferences in ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing, including dealing with complex oxide and ch...
Send us a textThis episode dives into the challenges and nuances of preparing and analyzing chromium samples. From understanding the differences between chromium’s oxidation states to effective methods for dissolving metals, oxides, and ores, we cover it all. Learn why chromium resists corrosion, how to avoid refractory oxides in organic matrices, and tips for testing Cr using alternative techniques like ion chromatography and UV-Vis. Whether you’re tackling sample prep or troubleshooting int...
Send us a textThis episode focuses on the intricacies of preparing and analyzing samples containing niobium and tantalum, two elements with similar geochemistry and behavior. Learn effective methods for dissolving metals, alloys, and oxides using techniques such as HF stabilization and fusion methods, while addressing challenges like signal quenching and purity issues. Discover best practices for ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing, including how to manage interferences from tungsten and rare earth ox...
Send us a textIn this episode, we explore the versatile and "colorful" chemistry of vanadium in sample preparation and analysis. Learn about effective methods for dissolving vanadium metals, alloys, and oxides, including tips on handling its various oxidation states. Discover practical advice for working with vanadium in different matrices, stability insights, and unique color-change indicators that can help you assess sample prep success. With vanadium being straightforward to test on ICP-OE...
Send us a textThis episode explores best practices for preparing and analyzing samples containing zirconium and hafnium. Discover the unique challenges these "geochemical twins" present, from handling metals and oxides with HF to using sodium carbonate and tetraborate fusions. Learn how to maintain stability in solution and avoid common ICP interferences, especially when working with trace elements. Perfect for labs tackling complex matrices, this episode offers essential insights for reliabl...
Send us a textThis episode covers essential methods for handling titanium in sample prep and analysis, from dissolving titanium alloys and oxides to stabilizing it in solution. Explore the unique challenges of working with titanium, including the need for careful HF handling and tips for preventing hydrolysis. Discover effective techniques for ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing, along with ways to navigate common interferences from elements like scandium and vanadium. This guide will help labs ensure...
Send us a textThis episode delves into the complexities of preparing and analyzing samples containing thorium and uranium. Learn how to effectively dissolve metal and oxide samples and explore stability challenges related to HF sensitivity and acid compatibility. We also cover essential ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing strategies, including handling uranium isotopes and understanding the nuances of depleted versus natural uranium sources. Whether you're ensuring accurate results in ICP analysis or ...
Send us a textIn this episode, our experts tackle the complexities of working with rare earth elements, from sample prep to interference correction. Listen as they explore methods for dissolving rare earth samples and maintaining stability in solution. The team also delves into the challenges of analyzing rare earths using ICP-OES and ICP-MS, including tips for mitigating oxide interferences and selecting optimal isotopes. Perfect for those dealing with high-purity rare earth samples or navig...
Send us a textIn this episode, we focus on scandium, a key element used frequently as an internal standard in ICP analysis. The team dives into important considerations for keeping scandium stable in solution and avoiding HF sensitivity. They also discuss testing strategies using both ICP-OES and ICP-MS, including how to manage potential spectral interferences and optimize your setup for accurate results. Whether you work with scandium regularly or are looking to fine-tune your techniques, th...
Send us a textThis week, the team discusses the preparation and analysis of samples containing strontium and barium. Discover the similarities between these elements and calcium, from solubility tips to handling HF sensitivity and sulfate contamination risks. The team also provides insights into testing with ICP-OES and ICP-MS, highlighting key interferences to watch for and ways to improve detection limits. Learn more about our sample prep guides.
Send us a textIn this episode of Bench Boost, we explore the best practices for preparing and analyzing samples containing Calcium. From solubility tips to handling trace levels, this episode covers everything you need to know to keep calcium stable in solution and ensure reliable results. We also dive into testing techniques, with insights on using ICP-OES and ICP-MS for calcium detection, including dealing with interferences and optimizing detection limits. Perfect for labs looking to refin...
Send us a textMike Booth is back with guests Ashley Jones, Liv Forbes, and Autumn Phillips, as they walk you through the critical aspects of preparing magnesium samples—whether you're dealing with metals, oxides, or complex minerals like dolomite. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls such as vigorous reactions during dissolution, potential contamination, and handling HF in your processes. The team also discusses the minimal interferences magnesium faces in both ICP-OES and ICP-MS, making it an ...
Send us a textHost Mike Booth, along with Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones and R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Autumn Phillips, discuss the straightforward yet crucial steps to ensure beryllium remains stable in solution. Learn about the acids and methods best suited for different beryllium sample types, how to prevent hydrolyzation, and the key considerations for testing beryllium using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Whether you're new to working with beryllium or looking to refine your approach, this...
Send us a textIn this episode of Bench Boost, we focus on the essential techniques for preparing samples containing group 1 elements: lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium. Host Mike Booth is joined by Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones and R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Autumn Phillips to discuss the specific challenges these elements pose. From handling reactive metals to dealing with contamination risks, our experts share practical tips to ensure accurate ICP analyses. Discover ...
Send us a textThis week on Bench Boost, we wrap up our conversation with CEM Corporation’s Macy Harris and Elaine Hasty. The focus is on overcoming two major hurdles in microwave digestion: contamination and method development. Macy and Elaine provide actionable advice on how to minimize contamination in the lab and select the right acid chemistry for your samples. They also discuss how CEM’s microwave technology has helped labs improve throughput and achieve lower detection limits. Whether y...
Send us a textThis week on Bench Boost, Mike is joined by Macy Harris and Elaine Hasty from CEM Corporation to discuss the benefits of microwave digestion technology. Discover how switching from traditional hot block digestion to microwave can save time, increase consistency, and even eliminate the need for hazardous chemicals like perchloric acid in many cases. Macy and Elaine also walk us through CEM’s latest microwave digesters and offer tips on choosing the right system for your lab’s nee...
Send us a textOur experts are back this week to tackle more of your pressing technical questions. They discuss key topics such as extending the shelf life of your CRMs, identifying and correcting ICP-MS interferences in the challenging mass range of 60-130, and best practices for analyzing bromide on ICP. From understanding the effects of transpiration on your solutions to leveraging isotopic abundance tables for interference management, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyon...
Send us a textThis week, we're answering some of the most frequently asked questions in the lab. Our R&D chemists, Autumn Phillips and Madeline Gozzi, along with production manager Joey Burns, offer their insights on the best practices for lithium analysis using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Discover how to handle spectral interferences, the role of ionization buffers, and why tuning your ICP-MS is crucial for accurate results. Plus, learn how to verify the cleanliness of your DI water and avo...