Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is an advanced analytical technique that provides trace and ultra-trace level chemical analysis for a wide range of industries. In this blog post, XRF Scientific aims to provide a detailed introduction to ICP-MS, from initial sample preparation to the technology’s various downstream applications.

What is ICP-MS?

A mass spectrum is a form of histogram that represents the elemental fingerprint of a sample. This pattern is plotted by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of ions versus intensity, which yields detailed information regarding the elemental or isotopic signature of the material under study.

Acquiring this mass spectral data first requires sample material to be ionized via an excitation s...

Compared to platinum (Pt), the use of zirconium (Zr) in laboratory settings is a relatively new concept. This largely stems from the material’s comparative immaturity: Platinum has been used in preparative labware for over 200 years, while the industrial method of processing high-purity metallic zirconium was only discovered within the last century. Despite this, zirconium crucibles have become a popular choice for highly-corrosive fusion processes in analytical chemistry and chemical processing.

Zirconium is a transition metal that is most commonly used as a refractory for high-temperature applications; owing to its extremely high melting point of approximately 1855°C (3371°F). It owes its corrosion resistance to the formation of an extremely stable zirconium oxide (ZrO) fil...

Since 2006, XRF Scientific has been spearheading the design and implementation of innovative fusion machines for cutting-edge sample preparation. At this time, the Phoenix range was already an industry-standard tool for inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sample preparation. Yet these markets needed a simple-to-use, automated electric fusion machine to suit the requirements of a broadening consumer base.

Our inaugural xrFuse electric fusion machine was released to a global market in 2013. Within a few short years, the product line has grown to cover three distinct instruments: the xrFuse 1, the xrFuse 2, and the xrFuse 6. In this post, we will outline the operating principles of the xrFuse range in more depth, providing a brief hardware and specification...

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