Spectral line selection for determination of zirconium, cerium, thorium and titanium by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in zirconia-based ceramic materials

Abstract

Sequential inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry was used to determine Ti and Th as minor elements and Zr and Ce as major elements in zirconia-based ceramics. Spectral interferences, matrix and acid effects were studied for several Th, Ti, Zr and Ce wavelengths. A method was developed for the determination of both major and minor elements in the same solution. Limits of detection (LODs) for minor elements in ceramic materials were 15 ppb for Th II 283.231 nm and 30 ppb for Th II 326.267 nm, 2 ppb for Ti II 334.941 nm and 336.121 nm. These LODs were well below the required determination values for these two metals in their matrices. Decomposition of the samples with hydrofluoric, hydrochloric and sulfuric acids was adequate for the determination of all elements and good agreement with values for a Japanese sample of known composition was obtained.