Determination of rare earth elements in yttrium, lanthanum, gadolinium and ytterbium matrices using an échelle-type spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission

Abstract

A high-resolution échelle spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry were used for the direct determination of 15 rare earth elements (REEs, except for Pm) in synthetic solutions containing an REE matrix. Yttrium, La, Gd and Yb were used as the REE matrices. Spectral interferences between REEs were investigated and the optimum analytical wavelengths selected with the échelle spectrometer, using wavelength modulation and detection of the second-derivative signals. Background equivalent concentrations and limits of detection were evaluated.