How Stonecore Captures XRF Results for Automotive Catalysts
At Stonecore, we’re committed to using cutting-edge technology to analyze your automotive catalyst materials. One of our key tools is the Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) Spectrometer. This powerhouse instrument helps us get a preliminary read on the precious metal content (PGM) in your catalysts. But how exactly does it capture results, and what factors can influence those results?
Capturing the XRF Fingerprint:
The ED-XRF works by bombarding your catalyst sample with X-rays. These X-rays excite the atoms within the sample, causing them to emit their own unique fluorescent X-rays. The spectrometer detects these fluorescent X-rays and uses their specific energies to identify the elements present and estimate their concentrations. Think of it like a unique “fingerprint” that reveals the elemental makeup of your catalyst.
Understanding XRF Variability:
While XRF is a powerful tool, there can be some variability in the results it produces. This variability can stem from two main factors:
- Physical Characteristics:
Just like people come in all shapes and sizes, catalyst samples can vary in terms of particle size and density. These variations can affect how X-rays interact with the sample, leading to inconsistencies in the measured PGM content. To minimize this, Stonecore grinds all samples to a uniform size, reducing the impact of physical variations and matrix effects (like the presence of silicon carbide, SiC).
- Interfering Elements:
Some elements, like iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W), can interfere with the XRF analysis. Their presence can “mask” the signal from PGMs, leading to higher variability in the PGM determination. While Stonecore’s calibration sets account for these elements to improve accuracy, their presence can still introduce some degree of variability.
The Importance of Confirmation:
That’s why XRF serves as a preliminary analysis tool. For the most accurate and reliable PGM content determination, Stonecore relies on Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) as the final assay technique.
By combining XRF analysis with ICP-OES confirmation, Stonecore ensures you receive the most accurate picture of the valuable materials present in your automotive catalysts.