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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Synchrotron X-ray Microdiffraction and Fluorescence Imaging of Mineral and Rock Samples
Published on: June 19, 2018
A micro co-precipitation technique for use in X-ray fluorescence analysis
J E Kessler1, S M Vincent, J E Riley
1Analytical Chemistry Research Department, Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974, U.S.A.
This study introduces a new method for concentrating trace elements, enabling sensitive detection of nanogram quantities. The technique uses co-precipitation and filtration for reproducible results in trace element analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Accurate quantification of trace elements is crucial for various scientific disciplines.
- Existing methods for trace element analysis may lack sensitivity or reproducibility for low concentrations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and describe an apparatus and procedure for the preconcentration of nanogram amounts of trace elements.
- To enable sensitive and reproducible detection of trace elements in the 10-100 ng range.
Main Methods:
- Utilized co-precipitation and pressure filtration to concentrate trace elements onto a small filter membrane spot (1.27 mm diameter).
- Employed X-ray fluorescence (XRF) with a milliprobe instrument for detection.
- Focused on reproducible collection of trace elements.
Main Results:
- Successfully preconcentrated nanogram amounts of trace elements reproducibly.
- Achieved high sensitivity detection of trace elements in the 10-100 ng range.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of the milliprobe instrument for trace element analysis.
Conclusions:
- The described apparatus and procedure offer a reliable method for trace element preconcentration.
- The technique is advantageous for quantitative applications requiring high sensitivity.
- Co-precipitation and pressure filtration are effective for preparing samples for XRF analysis.
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