CRM Au, Ir, Os, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN9087MC

Importance of the Topic

Aqueous calibration solutions certified as reference materials are crucial for ensuring accuracy and traceability in quantitative analyses across various spectrometric and electroanalytical techniques. By providing well-characterized concentrations of target analytes in a defined matrix, these solutions support reliable method validation, instrument calibration, and quality control in research, industrial, and regulatory laboratories.

Objectives and Overview of the Certificate

This certificate documents the production, certification, and intended use of ASTASOL® AN9087MC, an aqueous calibration solution containing seven platinum group elements and gold, each at a certified concentration of 100.0 ± 0.5 mg/L at 20 °C. The document aligns with ISO Guide 31 and ISO 17034 to ensure proper quality management and traceability to SI units.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The solution was prepared gravimetrically using primary high-purity compounds and a hydrochloric acid matrix (20 % v/v) in ultrapure water. Certified values were verified through:

• Gravimetric and titrimetric primary methods for mass fraction determination
• Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and atomic emission spectrometry (AES)
• Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)

The methods were calibrated against independent reference materials such as SRM NIST 3121, 3140, and 3144, as well as in-house CRMs.

Main Results and Discussion

Each analyte (Au, Ir, Os, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru) was certified at 100.0 mg/L with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of ± 0.5 mg/L. Key findings include:

• High homogeneity demonstrated across the batch
• Stability guaranteed over a two-year shelf life when stored properly
• Trace impurities of common elements were below detection limits, ensuring matrix compatibility and minimal interferences

Density was measured as 1.0428 ± 0.0005 g/cm3 at 20 °C, supporting mass-fraction calculations.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

The certified solution facilitates:

• Accurate calibration of AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and select electroanalytical techniques
• Validation of analytical methods in environmental, pharmaceutical, and metallurgical settings
• Traceability of measurement results to SI units

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging trends in analytical chemistry highlight the integration of high-resolution mass spectrometry, automated dilution systems, and digital traceability. Future developments may include:

• Multi-element micro-certified solutions for ultra-trace analyses
• Enhanced stability packaging using inert atmospheres
• Blockchain-based documentation of batch history and usage

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN9087MC provides a robust, traceable calibration standard for key precious-metal analytes. Its rigorous certification and stability profile make it an invaluable tool for laboratories aiming to maintain high standards of measurement accuracy and compliance.

Used Instrumentation

• High-precision analytical balance for gravimetric preparation
• Sub-boiling distillation system for HCl purification
• Ultrapure water system (18 MΩ·cm, 0.22 µm filtered)
• AAS and AES spectrometers
• ICP-OES and ICP-MS instruments
• Density meter with temperature control at 20 °C