CRM Silver (Ag) - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN8001N

Significance of the topic

This certified silver reference solution provides a high‐purity calibration standard essential for accurate quantification of trace silver in aqueous samples. It underpins quality assurance in environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, and materials science by ensuring reliable instrument calibration and method validation.

Study objectives and overview

The certificate documents the production, characterization, and use of ASTASOL® AN8001N, an aqueous silver calibration solution. Key objectives include establishing a certified concentration, verifying SI‐traceability, assessing homogeneity and stability, and defining storage and handling guidelines.

Methodology and instrumentation

The silver solution was prepared gravimetrically using 99.9999 % pure Ag in 2 % HNO₃ and ultra‐pure water. Certified value and uncertainty were determined by gravimetric precipitation of AgCl and cross‐verified against NIST SRM 3151. Trace impurities were quantified for user information by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS).

Used instrumentation

• Gravimetric balance for primary preparation
• AAS for selected trace elements
• ICP‐OES and ICP‐MS for multi‐element impurity screening

Main results and discussion

The certified silver concentration is 100.0 ± 0.2 mg/L (expanded uncertainty k=2), equivalent to 98.6 ± 0.3 mg/kg based on solution density (1.0145 ± 0.0005 g/cm³ at 20 °C). Trace elements were below detection limits, confirming negligible matrix interference. Homogeneity tests demonstrated uniform silver distribution across bottles, and accelerated stability studies guarantee performance throughout a three-year shelf life and twelve months after opening.

Benefits and practical applications

This CRM facilitates:

• Accurate calibration of AAS, AES, ICP‐OES, ICP‐MS, molecular absorption, and electroanalytical methods
• Method validation and instrument performance checks
• Traceability to SI units, improving comparability across laboratories

Future trends and opportunities

Increasing demand for ultra-trace analysis will drive development of even higher‐purity CRMs and multi‐element standards. Integration with digital certification and automated quality systems may further streamline traceability and real‐time method validation.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN8001N is a rigorously characterized silver calibration solution offering high stability, homogeneity, and SI traceability. It serves as a reliable tool for diverse analytical techniques, enhancing data quality and comparability in industrial and research laboratories.

Reference

Analytika® ASTASOL® AN8001N Certificate, Analytika, spol. s r.o., Department of Reference Materials, Version 01, February 2022.