The Importance of Sample Preparation in XRF

Before analysis with advanced and specific equipment, samples need to be prepared and properly treated. This initial step is a critical part of the overall analysis process as it stops contamination, enhances accuracy, and decreases the risk of distortion. This article will discuss the importance of sample preparation, how it is carried out, and specifically how it is critical for XRF.

How Does Sample Preparation Work

Generally, sample preparation begins with extraction. This involves removing a representative piece of material from a larger source. The goal of sample preparation is to take away analytical results without impacting the specifications of the original substance.

This usually means minimizing matrix elements, leading to a cleaner sample, concentrating analytes, and using chemical alterations to enhance analytical processes including separation and detection.

Why is Sample Preparation so Critical

Both XRF and ICP rely on the performance of integral components and the technique of sample preparation employed. Sample preparation specifically aims to modify the sample to make it workable for particular chemical analysis or to improve that.

Sample preparation aims to:

• Remove interfering species
• Ensure it is the correct concentration before analysis
• Release the analyte from a sample matrix
• Derivatization in case sensitivity of detection requires improvement

Samples must be homogenous and represent the material of interest. It must be accessible in the quantity needed for testing the parameters in question. It is also important that sample integrity is preserved between preparation, collection, and analysis.

Read More: 4 Critical Steps to Precise Sample Preparation

Sample preparation must ensure there is a minimal loss because of evaporation, contamination, or degradation. The sampling container needs to be clean and properly labeled to ensure the sample is not contaminated.

What to Use for Sample Preparation

There is a range of sample preparation tools to choose from, from small multi-tools to heavy-duty angle grinders. The fusion technique of XRF sample preparation uses a flux to dissolve an oxidized sample. This creates a fused bead that doesn’t have any mineral structures.

Borate fusion is another widely used technique, with a range of chemicals that can be used as a flux. The purity of the flux is really important in applications in which trace level accuracy is required as it minimizes the risk of sample contamination.

Sample Preparation Technology from XRF Scientific

XRF Scientific offers users the option of preparing samples into a form that can be accurately analyzed. XRF are experts in lithium borate fusion, a sample preparation technique that helps to overcome the matrix effect.

The process involves crushing and pulverizing a sample into a fine dust with controlled particle size. The sample and flux are then weighed out accurately. This can be done manually or using automated dosing machines and then when the mixture is prepared it is put into a platinum crucible and fused together.

To find out more about sample preparation from XRF, get in touch with the team today.