Quantification of matrix effects in the determination of lead content in soldering tin by ICP-IDMS

Abstract

Several analytical techniques are currently used to eliminate the matrix effect in the determination of lead by Isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS), which include using admixed Tl for “external normalization” and the separation of Pb from the sample. Unfortunately, because of the different performance of Pb and Tl, and the complex separation process or “column matrix effect”, it is often a considerably more difficult matter to totally eliminate the matrix effects during lead analysis by IDMS. In this study, a method to quantify the matrix effect is presented in the analysis of lead in soldering tin sample by ICP-IDMS. Moreover, sample separation process was also carried out followed by ICP-IDMS analysis using standard-sample bracketing (SSB) correction. The consistent results of the two processes proved the validity of the matrix quantification method, and this idea will help to get precise measurements of Pb isotope abundances.