Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
07:10
3D Depth Profile Reconstruction of Segregated Impurities Using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 29, 2020
2.1K
Precise Analysis of Gallium Isotopic Composition by MC-ICP-MS
Wei Yuan1,2, Jiu Bin Chen1, Jean-Louis Birck3
1State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGCAS) , Guiyang 550081, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|September 6, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to measure gallium (Ga) isotopes in geological and biological samples. This technique improves understanding of Ga
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Isotope Geochemistry
- Biogeochemical Cycles
Background:
- Gallium (Ga) isotope geochemistry is underexplored, hindering understanding of its biogeochemical cycle.
- Gallium is an analogue of aluminum (Al), making its isotopic behavior relevant for comparative studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a robust method for precise gallium isotope ratio measurements.
- To assess the potential application of Ga isotopes in geochemical and environmental studies.
Main Methods:
- A two-step chromatographic purification method using AG 1-X4 and Ln-spec resins was employed.
- Gallium was separated from complex geological and biological matrices.
- Isotope ratios were measured using multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS).
Main Results:
- The purification method demonstrated high extraction yield (99.8 ± 0.8%) and excellent reproducibility (better than 0.05‰).
- Validation included matrix effect assessment, standard addition experiments, and inter-instrument comparison.
- Preliminary results revealed significant variations in δ71Ga values (up to 1.83‰) across different standards.
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides precise Ga isotope measurements, crucial for advancing Ga biogeochemical cycle research.
- Higher δ71Ga values in industrially produced materials suggest potential applications in tracing material origins and industrial processes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
2.5K
In inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS), an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch is used as an atomizer and ionizer. Solid samples are dissolved and volatilized before being introduced into the high-temperature argon plasma, while solution samples are nebulized and passed through the high-temperature argon plasma. Plasma dissociates the analytes and ionizes their component atoms to form a mixture of positive ions and molecular species. The positive ions are then...
2.5K
01:20Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Interferences
1.6K
Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) is a highly selective and sensitive technique for accurate elemental analysis. Though the analysis of ICP–MS mass spectra is comparatively straightforward, it is affected by spectroscopic and non-spectroscopic interferences. Spectroscopic interferences arise when the plasma contains ionic species with an m/z value the same as the analyte ion. Spectroscopic interference can be categorized as isobaric, polyatomic ions, and...
1.6K
01:26Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
925
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is the common plasma source used in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), a technique that detects and analyzes various elements in a sample. This method is often called inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used....
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used....
925
01:19Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Principle
2.2K
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is the most widely used plasma source in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), also known as Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The ICP source, or torch, consists of three concentric quartz tubes with argon gas flowing through them. A spark from a Tesla coil initiates the ionization of argon, generating a high-temperature plasma.
The ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field created by a water-cooled...
The ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field created by a water-cooled...
2.2K
01:14Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS)
7.5K
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is the combination of analytical techniques of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in a single instrument for analyzing a mixture of compounds. The gas chromatograph separates the compounds in the mixture, and the mass spectrometer analyzes each compound separately to determine the molecular masses and molecular structures.
A gas chromatograph consists of a long, narrow capillary column with a polysiloxane coating on the inner wall....
A gas chromatograph consists of a long, narrow capillary column with a polysiloxane coating on the inner wall....
7.5K
01:21Mass Spectrometry: Complex Analysis
2.0K
Mass spectrometry is an important technique for the identification of pure compounds. However, it has some limitations for the analysis of complex mixtures, often due to excessive fragmentation making the spectrum too complicated to decipher. Mass spectrometry can be combined with suitable separation methods in sequence, forming hyphenated methods, which are useful in the analysis of complex mixtures.
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...
2.0K