Optimization of Measurement Conditions for Geochemical Survey Sample Analysis by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry with Pressed Powder Pellet Sample Preparation

Abstract

BACKGROUND Powder compaction is a widely used sample preparation method for X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry. However, due to the existence of mineral and matrix effects, the measurement conditions should be optimized. OBJECTIVES To measure 24 major and minor elements in geochemical survey samples. METHODS The ZSX Primus Ⅱ type Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer was used to determine the optimum experimental conditions, such as sample preparation pressure, working voltage and current of the instrument, spectral lines of the elements to be measured and the efficiency of the detector. The optimum experimental conditions were verified by analyzing the National Standard Materials (GBW07402, GBW07404, GBW07424, GBW07426, and GBW07429). RESULTS According to the optimum experimental conditions, the National Standard Materials of soil and stream sediments are analyzed. Individual elements such as Na2O in GBW07402 and Pb in GBW07404 have relative errors greater than 10%, and other elements have relative errors less than 10%. The relative errors meet the quality control requirements of geochemical survey samples. CONCLUSIONS The requirement of data quality monitoring has been achieved for the analysis of geochemical survey samples and the optimized instrument measurement conditions provide reliable basic data for such samples in China.

Keywords

• geochemical survey samples
• x-ray fluorescence spectrometry
• analytical spectral lines
• detector