Determination of metallic elements in catalysts by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

This paper describes an analytical method for the determination of Al, Fe, Ti, V, Ni, Mo, Na and Si in aluminosilicate based catalysts, which are used in a variety of different processes in the oil refinary industry and related areas. After dissolving the samples in HF, HNO₃ and H₂SO₄ the elements were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Different tests and studies were carried out to check the performance of the method, and the results obtained are presented. The method proved to be reliable, relatively fast and of low cost. The relative standard deviation was 4% or lower for nearly all of the determinations performed on the different samples.