Analytical Sciences

Optimization of Lithium Metaborate Fusion and Post-ultrasonic Extraction for Multi-element Determination in Graphite by ICP-AES

Liangcheng ZHAO,* Li WEI,* Yanqiao HU,* Qingzhi CHEN,* Wencui CHENG* Jinming ZHANG,* Xing LI,* Ziyi AN,** Jianwei MENG,* and Huajie LIU***

*Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources and Ecological Environment Monitoring, Hebei Province, Hebei Research Center for Geoanalysis, Baoding 071051, China
**National Research Center for Geoanalysis, Beijing 100037, China
***School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China

Existing methods can not achieve rapid mass decomposition and multi-element analysis of graphite ore samples. In this study, it is found that molten lithium metaborate can destroy the structure of graphite, causing graphite C to be oxidized and decomposed in an oxygen environment. We have established a method for testing graphite ore samples with lithium metaborate at 950°C with melting–ultrasonic extraction–ICP-AES multi-element (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Si, and Ti) testing. The verification results of the national first-level reference materials show that the detection limit of this method is low and the accuracy and precision are good. The results of the measured samples show no significant difference between this method and the classical chemical analysis method. This method has the following advantages over the existing ones: simple operation process, faster decomposition and testing, low reagent consumption, reduced possibility of sample contamination, and better results reproducibility.

J-STAGE: View this article in J-STAGE