Rapid analysis of iron concentrates by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry with sol-gel sample preparation technology

A rapid method for the analysis of iron concentrates by gel sample preparation and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry detection was developed. The solution digested by aqua regia was mixed with agarose, and then agarose was dissolved in the boiling solution and the mixture became quasi-solid gel at ambient temperature. The quasi-solid gel was detected by XRF. Analytical characteristics of the methods used were compared, and their reliability were tested against several certified reference materials of iron concentrates. The relative standard deviation was less than 0.3%.