AAS – Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy/FES – Flame Emission Spectroscopy

Metals

AAS – Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy/FES – Flame Emission Spectroscopy

The AAS/FES is an analytical method for the qualitative and quantitative detection of metals. The method is based on the weakening of a radiation through interaction with free atoms. After converting the sample into an analyzable solution, it is nebulized and transported into an atomizer (e.g. an acetylene/air flame). For the atomic excitation and as reference light source an element-specific hollow-cathode lamp is used. Due to absorption, the radiation intensity is reduced and measured after decomposition in a monochromator on the element-specific absorption line. The concentration of the respective element is quantified by comparing the radiation intensity between sample and reference measurement.

With a portfolio of approx. 50 hollow-cathode lamps, we can detect many metals by AAS/FES. However, ICP-AES and ICP-MS are primarily used for quantitative metal analyses, due to their high level of performance. In addition to the quantification of some elements, we also use atomic absorption spectroscopic measurements for plausibility or control analyses.

Which elements can be determined?

With the AAS/FES we analyse the following 50 elements:

Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hf, Hg, In, Ir, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, Os, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Ti, Tl, V, W, Y, Zn, Zr

Which concentrations can be determined?

All elements can be analyzed as major, minor and trace component. Determination limits of a few mg/kg are possible depending on the sample matrix.

Which sample matrix can be analyzed?

Almost all solid and liquid matrices can be analyzed. For the conversion of the sample into an analysable solution various digestion systems are available. Also hardly soluble matrices can be dissolved.

Typical tasks include the analysis of:

Organic, organometallic and inorganic compounds from chemistry, biochemistry, biology, pharmacy or material sciences
Organometallic and organic compounds as a pure substance or bound to support materials
Polymers in the form of powders, foams, films or granules, such as fluoropolymers, rubber, PE, PP, PUR or PVC
Ceramic compounds such as carbides, carbonitrides, nitrides, oxides, oxycarbides, oxynitrides or silicates
Precious metals containing substances in the form of pure metals and alloys, oxides, organometallic compounds, ores or catalysts
Metals and alloys from the metal and automotive industry, aerospace or medical and 3D laser technology
Organic, acidic, alkaline or aqueous solutions from electroplating, petrochemistry, food industry

Which sample quantity is required for the analysis?

Metal as major component: ≥ 0.5 mg
Metal as trace component (few mg/kg): approx. 100 mg / matrix dependent

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