Determination of tin in geological materials using LA-ICP-MS: Seemingly simple analysis?

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is a unique technique designated for in situ analysis of a wide variety of solid samples. Nowadays, LA-ICP-MS is almost routinely used to study chemical and isotopic composition of geological materials. This paper reviews our experience with the analysis of tin in geological samples and comprehensively summarizes the limitations that may lead to inaccurate and imprecise outcomes. Experimental results show the extent of cross-contamination given by the ablation of materials containing tenths and tens of %m/m of Sn, and elucidate the impact of contamination on a background progress. Moreover, an analysis is also jeopardized by the occurrence of doubly charged ions of uranium as well as by the matrix effect amplified with operating conditions. Finally, the inhomogeneity of NIST SRM 614 is highlighted via 2D mapping especially within the rim area where tin content reaches up to 8 mg kg- 1. Furthermore, a real quartz sample is subjected to LA-ICP-MS analysis to demonstrate the manifestation of discussed negative effects. The true tin content in quartz sample and NIST 614 is verified via GF-AAS. The result of NIST 614 bulk analysis is in a good agreement with GeoReM value.

Automated summary

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a unique technique used for in situ analysis of solid samples. This paper reviews the analysis of tin in geological samples and summarizes the limitations that may cause inaccurate outcomes. The experimental results demonstrate the extent of cross-contamination caused by material ablation and the impact of contamination on background progress.