Determination of total sulfur in a metal matrix by ICP-IDMS: Example Cu matrix
- Previously on sulfur determination in metal revealed a lack of traceability and inconsistent results. Solving the problems a reference procedure for sulfur measurement in metal are required to build up a reliable reference value. In this study a procedure was developed for quantification of total sulfur at low concentration (in sub ppm level) in metal using inductively coupled plasma-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (ICP-IDMS). The ion exchange method and complexing agent were applied in this procedure to avoid loading large amount of metal into the instrument. Adding ammonia as a complexing agent into sample solution to reduce sulfur-metal co-elute. The procedure shows high performance and it is expressed in % recovery of sulfur (> 90%) and % metal elimination (>99 %). Additionally, relative measurement uncertainties were calculated less than 1.5 % and the results are traceable directly to SI units. This study would establish as reference procedure for sulfur measurement in metalPreviously on sulfur determination in metal revealed a lack of traceability and inconsistent results. Solving the problems a reference procedure for sulfur measurement in metal are required to build up a reliable reference value. In this study a procedure was developed for quantification of total sulfur at low concentration (in sub ppm level) in metal using inductively coupled plasma-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (ICP-IDMS). The ion exchange method and complexing agent were applied in this procedure to avoid loading large amount of metal into the instrument. Adding ammonia as a complexing agent into sample solution to reduce sulfur-metal co-elute. The procedure shows high performance and it is expressed in % recovery of sulfur (> 90%) and % metal elimination (>99 %). Additionally, relative measurement uncertainties were calculated less than 1.5 % and the results are traceable directly to SI units. This study would establish as reference procedure for sulfur measurement in metal sample which fit for these purpose as follows; for certified reference material and assigned value for inter-laboratory comparison.…