Issue 12, 2020

A novel method for measuring ultra-trace levels of U and Th in Au, Pt, Ir, and W matrices using ICP-QQQ-MS employing an O2 reaction gas

Abstract

Increased demand for improving ultra-low background detection capabilities for rare-event fundamental physics applications has resulted in the need for fast, convenient and clean assay methodologies that either preclude or reduce chemical sample pre-processing. A novel method for the measurement of ultra-trace concentrations (fg g−1 level) of natural 232Th and 238U and non-natural tracer isotopes 229Th and 233U was demonstrated in a solution of 10 μg g−1 each of Au, Pt, Ir, and W in 2% HNO3 using an ICP-QQQ-MS. Polyatomic interference across an m/z range of 227–239 was characterized: the major interferent with 229Th+ is 194Pt35Cl+; interferents with 232Th+ are 184W16O3+, 183W16O3H+, 192Pt40Ar+, 196Pt36Ar+, 195Pt37Cl+, and 197Au35Cl+; those with 233U+ are 193Ir40Ar+, 197Au36Ar+, and 184W16O3H+; and that with 238U+ is 198Pt40Ar+. Scanning the selected m/z range of 227–270 showed that higher oxide polyatomic species from the matrix elements either did not form or did not create a significant background on the target analyte masses. All measured concentrations in standard solutions matched the target values within the 98% confidence interval. The Th measurements were 80% accurate or better at the 10 fg g−1 level and above, and the U measurements were 90% accurate or better at the 10 fg g−1 level and above. Measurements at the 1 fg g−1 level were consistent with target values within 1 standard deviation, although the standard deviations of all three replicates were greater than 20% of the measured concentration value. Method detection limits in the matrix solutions were calculated to be 2.74 fg Th and 12.9 fg U. In an electronic sample, which typically has 0.1% precious metal content, our method would give detection limits of 274 fg Th and 1291 fg U given a maximum of 10 μg g−1 coinage metal matrix. This method is but one example of how state-of-the-art quadrupole mass spectrometry and collision reaction cell technology can be leveraged to develop novel analytical capability at ultra-trace levels.

Graphical abstract: A novel method for measuring ultra-trace levels of U and Th in Au, Pt, Ir, and W matrices using ICP-QQQ-MS employing an O2 reaction gas

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
08 May 2020
Accepted
14 Sep 2020
First published
23 Sep 2020

J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2020,35, 2859-2866

Author version available

A novel method for measuring ultra-trace levels of U and Th in Au, Pt, Ir, and W matrices using ICP-QQQ-MS employing an O2 reaction gas

K. Harouaka, E. W. Hoppe and I. J. Arnquist, J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2020, 35, 2859 DOI: 10.1039/D0JA00220H

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