Mechanism of a Novel Carrier Buffer in Arc Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Abstract

The research, which was a component of a broader initiative, focused on synthesizing a pioneering carrier buffer particularly intended for arc atomic emission spectroscopy. By analyzing various evaporation curves and quickly refining the formula of the novel carrier buffer, a more comprehensive, selective, and expedited condition was established for fractionating the target elements from the sample using the single-electrode carrier distillation method, thereby increasing the sensitivity of atomic emission spectrum analysis. Furthermore, the buffer mechanism was thoroughly investigated, using data from field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The result revealed that multiphase chemical reactions occurred within the cup-shaped electrode micrographite reactor, where the components of the carrier buffer synergistically promoted the fractionation of the measured elements. Moreover, CaCO₃ and Fe₂O₃ had a different “catalytic” impact. Finally, it was reasonable to assume that graphite remained inert in the reaction, and the composite molten body (mSiO₂·nAl₂O₃·xCaO·yBaO·zFe₂O₃) developed during the interaction between the carrier buffer and sample matrix.