Determination of trace metals in lithium by electrothermal atomisation atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

An electrothermal atomisation atomic absorption spectrometric procedure is described for the determination of trace metals in lithium metal. Lithium is converted into lithium nitrate and analysed for chromium, nickel and lead. In the determination of lead, serious chemical interference occurs, which can be overcome by using lanthanum carbide coated furnace tubes. The use of magnesium nitrate and lanthanum nitrate as releasing agents also helps overcome the interference. The detection limits are 0.4, 0.2 and 1.4 p.p.m. for nickel, chromium and lead, respectively.