Elemental Microanalysis covers a range of techniques that we employ to determine percentage quantities of elements in small sample aliquots (<5mg). The term was originally applied to instruments designed for the quantitation of Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen, although we can also determine Sulfur and Oxygen.
The technique is used for the determination of empirical formulae of novel research compounds and can also be applied to the determination of Organic Carbon in Sediments, following the removal of Inorganic Carbon with Hydrochloric or Sulfurous acids.
In addition to C, H and N analysis, other techniques employed are: ICP-MS, Ion Chromatography, Ion Selective Electrodes and Potentiometric Titrations, allowing for the determination of Sulfur, Phosphorus and other metal and halide elements.
Explore some of the techniques we commonly use for Elemental Microanalysis: