You are entitled to the upmost precision
You have every right to demand that the value of your material is determined correctly, for this after all is a matter of your profit.
Our laboratory is equipped to carry out two different technical measurement processes, in order to determine the value of your material with the upmost precision. We utilize x-ray fluorescence analysis as well as an ICP-OES- Spectrometer.
For the purposes of analysis, we take a representative sample from every shipment. We pay particular attention to the preparation of each sample, as this is the crucial determinant aspect of test accuracy. Through a series of steps, the sample is ground into a fine, homogenous powder and separated into eight parts.
Analysis: precise and transparent
We use two of the samples to determine the moisture content of the material. The remaining six are subjected to an x-ray fluorescence analysis, yielding the first precious metal content results. For a precise final analysis we trust the ICP-Spectrometer procedure, for which the samples are smelted into a copper amalgamation and dissolved into solution. The solution is then heated. Through the characteristic radiation emission spectrum of each element, the precious metal content can be very accurately determined.
You will receive a complete analysis protocol of all laboratory testing. Moreover we hold one sample of each set for reference purposes. Should you wish to archive a sample for personal reference, we would be happy to provide you with one.
Determination of platin group metals (PGM) in powdered automotive catalyst material using x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and inductive coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP AES)
- A quick overview regarding the routine sample treatment and analysis performed by REMetall Deutschland AG.
- Sample preparation / Moisture determination
- XRF analysis
- ICP AES analysis
1. The powdered monolith samples were mixed and milled to a max. grain size of < 150 µm (100 mesh)
The moisture of the samples is determined by using a automatic thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA 801; leco company). 1-3 g of the samples is weighed in a ceramic vessel, and heated under nitrogen atmosphere up to 105 °C until the weight is constant. The resulting moisture oft he samples is calculated automatically.
2. For a quick screening of the PGM content an ED XRF analysis is performed with a Niton handheld XRF spectrometer is performed. Therefore 4 g of the powdered sample is weighed in a cuvette and measured.
To obtain more precise information about the PGM content, especially about the sample matrix, a wavelength XRF analysis is performed by Zetium spectrometer (PANalytical company). For the WD XRF analysis with Zetium 9 g of the sample is pressed with wax to a pellet and measured. A designed measurement program considers the influences occurred by the sample matrix.
3. The most precise and the most time-consuming analysis method for the PGM determination, because of the trace-matrix-separation during the sample preparation, is ICP AES. First step is a smelt digestion of the sample. Therefore, the sample is mixed with flux agent and copper (I) oxide and melted by 1280 °C.
During this smelt digestion Cu-oxide is reduced to elemental copper. The PGM metals are collected in the resulting „copper-coin “. This copper-coin in digested with aqua regia and analyzed with ICP AES.