Sulfur determination using the SiS diatomic molecule via HR-CS GF MAS and direct analysis of solid samples: A...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Sulfur determination is crucial across various scientific disciplines.
• Direct analysis of solid samples presents unique analytical challenges.
• Molecular absorption spectrometry offers potential for elemental analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, reliable method for sulfur determination in diverse solid matrices.
• To utilize the diatomic molecule silicon monosulfide (SiS) for sulfur analysis.
• To validate the method using certified reference materials (CRMs).

Main Methods:

• High-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF MAS).
• Direct analysis of solid samples using the SiS molecule.
• Optimization of pyrolysis and vaporization temperatures, and use of zirconium (Zr) as a permanent modifier and silicon (Si) as a molecule-forming reagent.

Main Results:

• The SiS molecule was successfully employed for sulfur determination in various CRMs.
• Optimized method achieved improved limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) using multiple SiS lines.
• Sulfur concentrations determined were in agreement with certified values (95% confidence level).

Conclusions:

• A versatile and reliable method for sulfur determination in diverse solid matrices was established using HR-CS GF MAS and the SiS molecule.
• The method enables direct analysis of solid samples, simplifying sample preparation.
• This approach provides accurate and precise sulfur quantification across a wide range of materials.