Analytical Applications
In addition to the routine applications of quality assurance / quality control for industrial processes, such as evaluating precious metal depletion of spent catalysts, monitoring adsorption by activated carbons, and contamination source determination, some of the more unique applications for which PIXE has been used are described below.
Utilizing an X-Y tracking mechanism coupled with a stepping motor and a finely focused beam (i.e. 1 × 2 mm), EAI has provided an elemental characterization of a wide variety of samples, such as growth rings of tree cores. This type of temporal investigation has been used to monitor pollution influx into ecological systems, particularly with respect to acid rain deposition studies.
Similarly, linear and circular Streakers (temporal resolution aerosol sampling devices), capable of hourly resolution, have been employed in conjunction with PIXE analysis to investigate air pollution episodes, including acid rain and industrial hygiene monitoring. These samples are ideally designed for aerosol investigation and PIXE analysis because of their tight geometry and low mass requirements. For example, an aerosol with a TSP of 100 µg/M3 and one hour sampling at 1 Liter per minute will only collect 6 µg distributed over the filter. This 6 µg is distributed among approximately 26 active aerosol elements with nearly 50% being carbon and 20% being oxygen. Therefore, there are only 1.8 µg of analyzable material on the filter. This is sufficient mass for PIXE analysis.
Combining the simultaneous nature of PIXE analysis with its low detection limits and the advantage of minimal sample prep, EAI has provided Same Day and 24-Hour services for production line quality control monitoring for various manufacturing concerns.
The non-destructive characteristic of PIXE has proven to be extremely valuable in the area of forensic applications. Such samples may be analyzed, maintaining their integrity as and exhibit for evidence in the litigation. For example, the technique has been employed in the analysis of bone samples from a victim in order to determine the presence of Lead and the samples returned to the court as evidence.
These examples provide an indication of the diverse analytical applications and the extreme flexibility in research design and strategy which can be achieved through utilization of the PIXE technique at Elemental Analysis.