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Role of sample preparation and presentation in portable XRF quantification

Handheld and portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers have evolved in recent years from being used primarily as metal sorting tools in scrap yards to becoming instruments of high analytical performance. However, this trend has not been fully embraced by the academic and research community, and there are several reasons for this. In this presentation we will provide a comprehensive description of the capabilities of these instruments, particularly in the context of geoanalysis and archaeometric research. We will cover typical analytical performance indicators, including instrument stability, limits of detection, precision and accuracy, and reproducibility of quantification. The latter is strongly influenced by different types of sample preparation, i.e., pressed pellets, packed powders, or loose powders - considerations that need to be addressed before taking these instruments into the field.

For analysis, we will use a TRACER 5g and different preparations of soils and archaeological ceramics. We will show that the different types of sample preparation lead to different quantifications, and we will evaluate what measures can be taken to avoid such pitfalls. Analysis of soils and ceramics directly in outcrop is a common practice that presents additional complexities for accurate elemental characterization. For this application, we will explore how the combination of sample characteristics, analytical questions, and XRF physics are directly related. The presentation will provide a realistic assessment of the analytical performance of portable XRF instruments by offering a robust analytical evaluation that dispels existing myths surrounding this technique.

Details

Author
Kathrin P. Schneider1, Simon Nordstad2, Falk Reinhardt1, Mareike Gerken1, Roald Tagle1
Institutionen
1Bruker Nano Analytics, Germany; 2myStandards GmbH
Veranstaltung
GeoSaxonia 2024
Datum
2024
DOI
10.48380/v3n8-w945