EXPRESS: Electric-Field Assisted Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for the analysis of Li Ore

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is limited in detecting low atomic number elements like lithium (Li).
• Conventional laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) faces challenges with low sensitivity and high detection limits for lithium ore analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the analytical capabilities of LIBS for detecting lithium and trace elements in ore.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of applying an external electric field to LIBS.

Main Methods:

• Utilized electric field-assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (EF-LIBS) for elemental analysis of lithium ore.
• Investigated changes in plasma parameters, including electron density and plasma lifespan, under an applied electric field.

Main Results:

• EF-LIBS demonstrated a notable increase in emission intensity and detection sensitivity for all trace elements compared to conventional LIBS.
• Stabilized electron density and an extended plasma lifespan of approximately 10 μs were achieved with the electric field.
• The detection limit for lithium was improved eightfold, decreasing from 46.07 ppm (traditional LIBS) to 5.93 ppm (EF-LIBS).

Conclusions:

• The application of an external electric field enhances LIBS performance by increasing excitation efficiency and plasma plume lifetime.
• EF-LIBS offers a more sensitive and operationally advantageous method for lithium exploration and mining compared to traditional techniques.
• The field-deployable design and low sample requirements make EF-LIBS a practical alternative for on-site analysis.