Sample Preparation Guide

Sample Preparation

Table of Contents By Paul Gaines, Ph.D.

This Sample Preparation guide is intended to provide specific and highly detailed information about certain elements in regards to sample preparation. In contrast, my previous guides, Trace Analysis: A Guide for Attaining Reliable Measurements and ICP Operations: A Guide for Using ICP-OES and ICP-MS, have dealt with the theory and basics of the common sample preparation techniques.

The information presented for each of the elements will include preparation and solution chemistry of samples containing the element. Preparation methods will be given for common chemical forms and for several sample types. Chemical incompatibilities and tendencies will also be addressed, as well as hydrolytic stability data and preferred matrices.

This guide will be extensive, including detailed preparation guides for more than 70 elements.
Topics that appear underlined will be added over time. Check back periodically for updates.

Table of Contents

Overview

  1. Background, Topics and Resources

Group 1 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium or Cesium

Group 2 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Beryllium
  2. Samples Containing Magnesium
  3. Samples Containing Calcium
  4. Samples Containing Strontium or Barium

Group 3 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Scandium
  2. Samples Containing Rare Earth Elements
  3. Samples Containing Thorium or Uranium

Group 4 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Titanium
  2. Samples Containing Zirconium or Hafnium

Group 5 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Vanadium
  2. Samples Containing Niobium or Tantalum

Group 6 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Chromium
  2. Samples Containing Molybdenum
  3. Samples Containing Tungsten

Group 7 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Manganese
  2. Samples Containing Rhenium

Group 8 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Iron
  2. Samples Containing Ruthenium & Osmium

Group 9 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Cobalt
  2. Samples Containing Rhodium
  3. Samples Containing Iridium

Group 10 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Nickel
  2. Samples Containing Palladium
  3. Samples Containing Platinum

Group 11 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Copper
  2. Samples Containing Silver
  3. Samples Containing Gold

Group 12 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Zinc
  2. Samples Containing Cadmium
  3. Samples Containing Mercury

Group 13 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Boron
  2. Samples Containing Aluminum
  3. Samples Containing Gallium
  4. Samples Containing Indium
  5. Samples Containing Thallium

Group 14 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Silicon
  2. Samples Containing Germanium
  3. Samples Containing Tin
  4. Samples Containing Lead

Group 15 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Phosphorus
  2. Samples Containing Arsenic
  3. Samples Containing Antimony
  4. Samples Containing Bismuth

Group 16 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Sulfur
  2. Samples Containing Selenium
  3. Samples Containing Tellurium

Group 17 Elements

  1. Samples Containing Fluorine
  2. Samples Containing Chlorine
  3. Samples Containing Bromine
  4. Samples Containing Iodine

Conclusions

  1. Putting It All Together