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In x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, samples are bombarded with incident x-rays that ionize the surface atoms of a sample material. This causes electrons to displace from their atomic orbits with a release of fluorescent energy that is characteristic of specific elemental signatures. A sensitive photodetector then acquires these relatively weak fluorescent signals with high rejection of backscattered and incident x-rays, to form a precise quantitative picture of the sample’s elemental composition on the major, trace, and ultra-trace levels.

XRF instruments are engineered to perform these incredibly precise analytical assessments of sensitive oxides with outstanding degrees of repeatability. This requires a precise combination of high-purity sample preparation and unerring ...

Borate fusion is a technique used to prepare near-homogenous or highly pure heterogenous samples for x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. It involves the dissolution of oxidized minerals in a molten fusion flux product at temperatures exceeding 1000°C (1832°F). Specialized furnaces are used to elevate the sample temperature within a platinum crucible and agitate the mixture, encouraging sample molecules to dissolve in the molten borate flux. This mixture is then transferred to a platinum mould and cooled. Typically, this method is used to prepare samples as fused discs, beads, or heterogenous liquid fusions for ICP analysis.

The primary raw materials used as fusion flux products are mixtures of lithium tetraborate (Li₂B₄O...

Despite concerted efforts to improve the sustainability of the energy sector, combustion of fossil fuels remains one of the largest contributors to the global energy supply. Coal has been a ubiquitous combustible fuel throughout human history, used for direct heating and electricity generation. The ongoing use of coal as an energy source is contentious, primarily due to the level of pollutants generated from coal-burning on an industrial scale. Inhaling coal particulates can cause a host of respiratory problems and diseases, with a significant impact on the lifespan of millions of individuals worldwide.

Quantifying the trace elements in coal and in coal combustion residuals such as bottom and fly ash, slag, and other by-products can support the characterization of concentrated po...