Research Progress on Reference Materials for in situ Elemental Analysis by Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is currently an important microanalysis technique in the geoscience field. Development of related reference materials is a key for this technique. In this paper, the types, elemental distribution, application limits and manufacture method of reference materials for LA-ICP-MS analysis were reviewed. Currently, there are limited accessible Certified Reference Materials (CRMs). Some of the CRMs have low elemental contents and large uncertainties, which has restricted their application. Meanwhile, manufacture methods are immature and the homogeneity test for microanalysis reference material did not reach an agreement. Based on the homogeneity test method for rock powder reference materials, a two-step homogeneity test method was proposed. PGEs and Au contents in reference materials should be appropriate. Reference materials for Pb-S sulfide matrix, carbonate and phosphate matrix with different chemical compositions are urgently needed. With respect the the manufacture method of reference materials, nano-powder tablet technology and homogeneity tests should be developed further.

Keywords

• laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (la-icp-ms)
• reference materials
• glass melting technique
• nano-powder tablet technique
• homogeneity test