Determination of sodium by sequential metal vapour elution analysis with hydrogen carrier gas

Abstract

A method for the determination of sodium by sequential metal vapour elution analysis with hydrogen carrier gas combined with atomic absorption detection is described. The column is a molybdenum capillary tube (1.22 mm i.d.) and the temperatures are 1520–1870 K. Sodium vapour was separated from Al, Ca, Cu, Mo and Zn vapours. The system was applied to the determination of sodium in National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Materials and the accuracy (relative error) of the results obtained was within ±2%. Advantages of the system are direct separation of metals and the determination of sodium after wet digestion.