Establishment of an experimental system for X-ray fluorescence analysis with excitation using 3H/Zr source: Evaluation and applications

• Published in: Spectrochimica acta. Part B: Atomic spectroscopy 2023-07, Vol.205, p.106694, Article 106694
• Main Authors: Trang, Van Thi Thu, Van Hanh, Nguyen, Phuong, Huynh Truc
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3H/Zr source; Analytical method evaluation; Analytical sensitivity; Limit of detection; XRF measurement
• ISSN: 0584-8547; 1873-3565
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sab.2023.106694

The goal of this study is to establish and assess an experimental apparatus for X-ray fluorescence analysis with elemental excitation in materials using a 3H/Zr source. The limits of detection and quantification, as well as analytical sensitivity, were estimated using a linear curve methodology. Furthermore, accuracy and precision were assessed by quantitatively analyzing the components of the reference material. The limits of detection and quantification of elements such as S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Ta, and Pb were estimated to range from 3.7 mg kg−1 to 573 mg kg−1, depending on the analyte. Analytical sensitivities were found to be between 1.2 and 867 cps/%. The measured elemental concentrations in the reference sample were compared with the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method, and all bias (%) values were found to be lower than 10%. This study also determined the levels of Ca, Ti, Mn, and Fe in cement and K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Zn in tea leaves. The results showed that the 3H/Zr source could detect and quantify components at concentrations of a few mg kg−1 or higher. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is suggested for the analysis of the concentration of various elements in environmental, geological, food, and other samples. [Display omitted] •A X-ray fluorescence spectrometry system, including silicon drift detector and a 3H/Zr source, was set up.•Capable of identifying and quantifying elements from sulfur (Z = 16) to lead (Z = 82).•Elemental sensitivities ranged from a few cps/% to several tens of thousands of cps/%.•Limits of detection were found to range from a few mg kg−1 depending on atomic number Z.•Concentrations of elements (K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Zn) in cement and tea leaves were measured.