Abstract
Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) can be used for bulk analysis and mapping of critical elements throughout the supply value chain, from raw materials (including recyclable materials) to highly refined products like next-generation battery components. This study aims to provide methodologies to quantify EU-listed critical raw materials in metallurgical slags and mine tailings. These secondary resources, often by-products of mineral exploration or metallurgical production, are typically discarded as waste, despite containing valuable resources [1]. Under current challenging economic conditions, several European projects can benefit strongly from the valorization of such sources. For this reason, identifying the best methods to determine these elements' concentrations is crucial for evaluating their recovery, both environmentally and economically.
Elemental content is usually determined using techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and ICP-MS. These methods involve converting solid samples into liquid solutions through digestion, combustion, or fusion. However, this sample dissolution step has drawbacks, including long preparation times and risks of contamination or analyte loss. Refractory minerals like zircon, garnet, or alumina can resist digestion, reducing recovery rates for trace elements. Direct analysis of solid samples can overcome these issues and improve sensitivity by avoiding sample dilution. We compare here ICP-MS/MS analysis on liquid samples obtained after microwave-assisted acid digestion with LA-ICP-MS analysis for determining Mn ores and slags enriched in rare earth elements (REEs). For LA-ICP-MS, we will present two approaches, particularly useful in cases where dissolution proves to be challenging: (i) analysis of glass beads obtained through borate fusion of raw powders, and (ii) direct analysis on pelletized powders using a novel non-matrix matched calibration strategy [2].
References
[1] G., Gaustad, E., Williams, A., Leader Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2021,167, 105213.
[2] K., Mervič, V.S., Šelih, M., Šala, J.T., van Elteren Talanta, 2024,1, 271:125712.
Elemental content is usually determined using techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and ICP-MS. These methods involve converting solid samples into liquid solutions through digestion, combustion, or fusion. However, this sample dissolution step has drawbacks, including long preparation times and risks of contamination or analyte loss. Refractory minerals like zircon, garnet, or alumina can resist digestion, reducing recovery rates for trace elements. Direct analysis of solid samples can overcome these issues and improve sensitivity by avoiding sample dilution. We compare here ICP-MS/MS analysis on liquid samples obtained after microwave-assisted acid digestion with LA-ICP-MS analysis for determining Mn ores and slags enriched in rare earth elements (REEs). For LA-ICP-MS, we will present two approaches, particularly useful in cases where dissolution proves to be challenging: (i) analysis of glass beads obtained through borate fusion of raw powders, and (ii) direct analysis on pelletized powders using a novel non-matrix matched calibration strategy [2].
References
[1] G., Gaustad, E., Williams, A., Leader Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2021,167, 105213.
[2] K., Mervič, V.S., Šelih, M., Šala, J.T., van Elteren Talanta, 2024,1, 271:125712.