Variations in the distribution of trace elements in pyrrhotite Fe1-xS depending on the parameters of mechanical homogenization

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the synthesis of sulfide standards based on the Fe_0.91S pyrrhotite matrix, including 24 elements (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Te, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Pb, Bi) intended for use in laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The main attention is paid to the study of the influence of such parameters as the duration of mechanical milling, the laser beam diameter during measurements and the initial concentrations of impurities on the distribution of trace elements in the material. As a result, it was found that with 120 minutes of milling in combination with a laser beam of 80 μm diameter, it is possible to achieve relative standard deviation (RSD) values of 10%, which corresponds to the recommendations for most elements. At high impurity concentrations, the RSD values for most elements are lower, but the material becomes more heterogeneous. At the same time, at lower concentrations, an improvement in the homogeneity of the composition is observed. The data obtained demonstrates the effectiveness of mechanical homogenization for improving analytical accuracy and reproducibility, which makes such standards promising for the analysis of complex sulfide materials in geochemistry and materials science.