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La-Ce isotope measurements by multicollector-ICPMS
Christiane Schnabel1,2,3, Carsten Münker1,2, Erik Strub3,4
1Institut für Geologie und Mineralogie , Universität zu Köln , Zülpicherstr. 49b , 50674 Cologne , Germany .
Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry
|February 20, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a new analytical method for precise La-Ce isotope measurements using MC-ICPMS, improving geological dating and reservoir interaction studies. The developed protocol enhances accuracy and sensitivity for lanthanum-cerium (La-Ce) dating.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Isotope Geology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- The lanthanum-cerium (La-Ce) isotope system offers valuable insights into geological processes and reservoir interactions, complementing existing Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf systems.
- Previous analytical protocols for La-Ce dating were limited to Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS), restricting precision and sensitivity.
- Accurate La-Ce measurements necessitate efficient separation of cerium (Ce) from other rare earth elements (REE) and barium (Ba).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a novel analytical protocol for La-Ce isotope measurements utilizing Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICPMS).
- To establish an improved ion-chromatographic procedure for efficient separation of La and Ce from rock samples.
- To create a new cerium (Ce) reference material and assess isotopic heterogeneity in existing standards.
Main Methods:
- A three-step ion-chromatographic procedure involving cation exchange, Ln Spec column separation with selective oxidation, and cation clean-up chemistry.
- MC-ICPMS measurements incorporating all stable Ce isotopes (136Ce, 138Ce, 140Ce, 142Ce) and utilizing a high-ohm amplifier for 140Ce.
- Isotope Dilution (ID) techniques with enriched 138La and 142Ce tracers for precise La and Ce concentration determination.
Main Results:
- Achieved external reproducibility of ±0.25ε-units (2 r.s.d.) for 138Ce measurements with minimal sample amounts (150-600 ng Ce).
- Prepared and characterized a new Ce reference material (Cologne-AMES), revealing isotopic heterogeneity compared to previous standards (JMC-304, Mainz-AMES).
- Successfully applied the new protocols to determine Ce isotope compositions and La-Ce concentrations in various certified geochemical reference materials (CRMs).
Conclusions:
- The developed MC-ICPMS protocol offers improved precision and sensitivity for La-Ce geochronology and geochemical reservoir studies.
- The new chromatographic separation and reference material characterization address limitations of previous analytical methods.
- This advancement enables more accurate age corrections and isochron dating, enhancing the utility of the La-Ce system in geological research.
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