Send us a textThis episode focuses on the intricacies of preparing and analyzing samples containing niobium and tantalum, two elements with similar geochemistry and behavior. Learn effective methods for dissolving metals, alloys, and oxides using techniques such as HF stabilization and fusion methods, while addressing challenges like signal quenching and purity issues. Discover best practices for ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing, including how to manage interferences from tungsten and rare earth ox...

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore the versatile and "colorful" chemistry of vanadium in sample preparation and analysis. Learn about effective methods for dissolving vanadium metals, alloys, and oxides, including tips on handling its various oxidation states. Discover practical advice for working with vanadium in different matrices, stability insights, and unique color-change indicators that can help you assess sample prep success. With vanadium being straightforward to test on ICP-OE...

Send us a textThis episode explores best practices for preparing and analyzing samples containing zirconium and hafnium. Discover the unique challenges these "geochemical twins" present, from handling metals and oxides with HF to using sodium carbonate and tetraborate fusions. Learn how to maintain stability in solution and avoid common ICP interferences, especially when working with trace elements. Perfect for labs tackling complex matrices, this episode offers essential insights for reliabl...

Send us a textThis episode covers essential methods for handling titanium in sample prep and analysis, from dissolving titanium alloys and oxides to stabilizing it in solution. Explore the unique challenges of working with titanium, including the need for careful HF handling and tips for preventing hydrolysis. Discover effective techniques for ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing, along with ways to navigate common interferences from elements like scandium and vanadium. This guide will help labs ensure...

Send us a textThis episode delves into the complexities of preparing and analyzing samples containing thorium and uranium. Learn how to effectively dissolve metal and oxide samples and explore stability challenges related to HF sensitivity and acid compatibility. We also cover essential ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing strategies, including handling uranium isotopes and understanding the nuances of depleted versus natural uranium sources. Whether you're ensuring accurate results in ICP analysis or ...

Send us a textIn this episode, our experts tackle the complexities of working with rare earth elements, from sample prep to interference correction. Listen as they explore methods for dissolving rare earth samples and maintaining stability in solution. The team also delves into the challenges of analyzing rare earths using ICP-OES and ICP-MS, including tips for mitigating oxide interferences and selecting optimal isotopes. Perfect for those dealing with high-purity rare earth samples or navig...

Send us a textIn this episode, we focus on scandium, a key element used frequently as an internal standard in ICP analysis. The team dives into important considerations for keeping scandium stable in solution and avoiding HF sensitivity. They also discuss testing strategies using both ICP-OES and ICP-MS, including how to manage potential spectral interferences and optimize your setup for accurate results. Whether you work with scandium regularly or are looking to fine-tune your techniques, th...

Send us a textThis week, the team discusses the preparation and analysis of samples containing strontium and barium. Discover the similarities between these elements and calcium, from solubility tips to handling HF sensitivity and sulfate contamination risks. The team also provides insights into testing with ICP-OES and ICP-MS, highlighting key interferences to watch for and ways to improve detection limits. Learn more about our sample prep guides.

Send us a textIn this episode of Bench Boost, we explore the best practices for preparing and analyzing samples containing Calcium. From solubility tips to handling trace levels, this episode covers everything you need to know to keep calcium stable in solution and ensure reliable results. We also dive into testing techniques, with insights on using ICP-OES and ICP-MS for calcium detection, including dealing with interferences and optimizing detection limits. Perfect for labs looking to refin...

Send us a textMike Booth is back with guests Ashley Jones, Liv Forbes, and Autumn Phillips, as they walk you through the critical aspects of preparing magnesium samples—whether you're dealing with metals, oxides, or complex minerals like dolomite. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls such as vigorous reactions during dissolution, potential contamination, and handling HF in your processes. The team also discusses the minimal interferences magnesium faces in both ICP-OES and ICP-MS, making it an ...

Send us a textHost Mike Booth, along with Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones and R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Autumn Phillips, discuss the straightforward yet crucial steps to ensure beryllium remains stable in solution. Learn about the acids and methods best suited for different beryllium sample types, how to prevent hydrolyzation, and the key considerations for testing beryllium using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Whether you're new to working with beryllium or looking to refine your approach, this...

Send us a textIn this episode of Bench Boost, we focus on the essential techniques for preparing samples containing group 1 elements: lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium. Host Mike Booth is joined by Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones and R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Autumn Phillips to discuss the specific challenges these elements pose. From handling reactive metals to dealing with contamination risks, our experts share practical tips to ensure accurate ICP analyses. Discover ...

Send us a textThis week on Bench Boost, we wrap up our conversation with CEM Corporation’s Macy Harris and Elaine Hasty. The focus is on overcoming two major hurdles in microwave digestion: contamination and method development. Macy and Elaine provide actionable advice on how to minimize contamination in the lab and select the right acid chemistry for your samples. They also discuss how CEM’s microwave technology has helped labs improve throughput and achieve lower detection limits. Whether y...

Send us a textThis week on Bench Boost, Mike is joined by Macy Harris and Elaine Hasty from CEM Corporation to discuss the benefits of microwave digestion technology. Discover how switching from traditional hot block digestion to microwave can save time, increase consistency, and even eliminate the need for hazardous chemicals like perchloric acid in many cases. Macy and Elaine also walk us through CEM’s latest microwave digesters and offer tips on choosing the right system for your lab’s nee...

Send us a textOur experts are back this week to tackle more of your pressing technical questions. They discuss key topics such as extending the shelf life of your CRMs, identifying and correcting ICP-MS interferences in the challenging mass range of 60-130, and best practices for analyzing bromide on ICP. From understanding the effects of transpiration on your solutions to leveraging isotopic abundance tables for interference management, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyon...

Send us a Text Message.This week, we're answering some of the most frequently asked questions in the lab. Our R&D chemists, Autumn Phillips and Madeline Gozzi, along with production manager Joey Burns, offer their insights on the best practices for lithium analysis using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Discover how to handle spectral interferences, the role of ionization buffers, and why tuning your ICP-MS is crucial for accurate results. Plus, learn how to verify the cleanliness of your DI wate...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, the team dives into the analytical challenges faced by those working with battery materials, a rapidly growing and complex field. Guest Tyler Farnsworth, PhD, introduces MERGE Chemistry, a division of IV Labs, and shares insights on the company's work in mitigating hydrogen outgassing and improving plating dynamics in long-duration energy storage batteries.Join us for this engaging and informative episode to gain a deeper understanding of the current ch...

Send us a Text Message.Tune in to learn about the challenges and solutions when mixing stock blends, the importance of proper storage and handling of reagents for discrete analyzers, and tips for maintaining the stability of combined standards. The team also discusses common issues related to nitrite and nitrate in solutions, offering practical advice on pH adjustments and the best practices for ensuring accurate results.

Send us a Text Message.This week, the team tackles more frequently asked questions about IC. Learn best practices for IC method development, including identifying analytes, selecting the right columns and eluents, and optimizing run conditions. Discover how to determine the best eluent concentration for accurate measurements, and explore strategies to achieve low detection levels for sample analysis.Stay tuned for next week's episode featuring MERGE Chemistry, where we'll discuss the analytic...

Send us a Text Message.Dive into the basics of Ion Chromatography (IC) and discover its diverse applications, from environmental testing to pharmaceuticals and food & beverage industries. The team addresses common questions, including how to resolve interferences in IC analysis. They share insights on optimizing eluent concentrations, managing column temperatures, and maintaining clean systems to avoid contamination.This episode is packed with practical tips and expert advice to help you ...

Send us a Text Message.Host Mike Booth, continues the engaging conversation with Ashley Jones, Autumn Phillips, and Joey Burns as they address more of the most frequently asked technical support questions.In this episode, the team dives into the topic of transpiration and the benefits of TCT (transpiration control technology) bags for maintaining the integrity of your standards. They also discuss best practices for using your standards, including the debate between preparing by weight versus ...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, host Mike Booth, Technical Director at Inorganic Ventures, is joined by our knowledgeable team: Ashley Jones, Autumn Phillips, and Joey Burns. Together, they tackle some of the most frequently asked technical support questions about ICP sample preparation and analytical science.Discover solutions to common challenges with arsenic and mercury, learn about the impact of oxidation states on ICP analysis, and get insights into working with natural abundance...

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to a brand-new season of Bench Boost! This season, we're thrilled to feature some special guests and answer all of your burning questions. First up, we present a special three-part interview series with Robert Thomas, a renowned expert with over four decades of experience in the field. Rob has written over 100 technical publications, a comprehensive 14-part tutorial series on ICP-MS, and is the editor of the Atomic Perspectives (AP) column in Spectroscopy magazi...

Send us a Text Message.This season, we're thrilled to feature some special guests and answer all of your burning questions. First up, we present a special three-part interview series with Robert Thomas, a renowned expert with over four decades of experience in the field. Rob has written over 100 technical publications, a comprehensive 14-part tutorial series on ICP-MS, and is the editor of the Atomic Perspectives (AP) column in Spectroscopy magazine. He has also authored six textbooks, with h...