X-ray fluorescence analysis at mg l−1 level with an X-ray source powered by a dry battery

Abstract

An X-ray generator with a pyroelectric crystal is used for trace quantitative analysis for the first time. Standard solutions are analyzed with this X-ray generator after preconcentration with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (NaDDTC) or ion-exchange resins. Mn, Pb, Ba, Co, I, Cr and Br at mg l⁻¹ or sub-mg l⁻¹ level can be detected by measurement of filter paper or resins. The minimum detection limit of Mn is 0.1 mg l⁻¹ with the chelate extraction method, and that of Co is 0.3 mg l⁻¹ with the ion-exchange method. The calibration curves of Pb, Ba, and Cr are approximated to straight lines by using Mn and I as internal standards. The preconcentration method makes it possible to estimate the concentrations of trace elements in aqueous solutions by using a pyroelectric generator driven by a dry battery, even though the X-ray output is a few orders of magnitude lower than a conventional X-ray tube. The pyroelectric generator as a portable X-ray source can be used for on-site trace analysis.