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Oxygen Isotope Analysis for Silicate Minerals Using a High-Temperature Conversion/Elemental Analyzer-Isotope Ratio
Ryosuke Kikuchi1, Tobimaru Ishiwata2, Ichiro Tayasu3
1Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : RCM
|May 21, 2025
Summary
A new high-temperature conversion elemental analyzer-isotope ratio mass spectrometer (TC/EA-IRMS) method simplifies oxygen isotope analysis in silicates. This technique avoids specialized equipment, offering a more accessible way to study mineral formation and geochemical processes.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Isotope Geochemistry
- Mineralogy
Background:
- Oxygen isotope composition of silicates provides critical insights into mineral formation and geochemical processes.
- Traditional silicate oxygen isotope analysis requires specialized fluorination instruments due to strong Si-O bonds, limiting accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a simplified method for oxygen isotope analysis in silicates using a high-temperature conversion elemental analyzer-isotope ratio mass spectrometer (TC/EA-IRMS).
- To evaluate the effectiveness of various fluorine compounds and experimental conditions for silicate oxygen isotope analysis.
Main Methods:
- Silicate powders were decomposed at 1450°C with various fluorine compounds and fluorine/oxygen (F/O) ratios using TC/EA-IRMS.
- Mass spectral characteristics, oxygen yields, and oxygen-18 (δ18O) values were analyzed and compared.
- Optimized conditions included using NaF or KF as reactive fluorine sources, a high F/O ratio (e.g., 6), homogenization, and activated carbon catalyzed by nickel as a carbon source.
Main Results:
- Sodium fluoride (NaF) and potassium fluoride (KF) demonstrated the highest reactivity among tested fluorine sources.
- Higher F/O ratios improved the reproducibility of oxygen yield and δ18O values by reducing CO peak tailing.
- Silica and smectite samples analyzed with NaF at an F/O ratio of 6 yielded 90.0%-99.3% oxygen recovery, with δ18O values deviating less than 1.42‰ from literature and a precision of 0.18‰-0.30‰.
Conclusions:
- The TC/EA-IRMS method shows significant potential for silicate oxygen isotope analysis without specialized instrumentation.
- The method's applicability may extend to hydrous silicates, such as clay minerals, and potentially hydrogen isotope analysis using the same instrument.
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