CRM Ir, Os, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN9120MC

Significance of the topic

This document describes a certified reference material designed to support accurate calibration and validation in elemental analysis. High-purity calibration standards are essential for achieving traceable, reliable results in techniques such as atomic spectrometry and electroanalytical methods. The availability of a well-characterized aqueous solution containing platinum group elements at known concentrations ensures consistency across laboratories and supports quality management in research and industry.

Objectives and overview of the publication

The primary goal is to present the certification of ASTASOL AN9120MC, an aqueous calibration solution containing Ir, Os, Pd, Pt, Rh and Ru. The certificate details the composition, preparation protocol, assigned values, uncertainties, and instructions for use. It also provides evidence of homogeneity, stability, and traceability to international standards.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The solution was prepared gravimetrically using high-purity starting materials with purities ≥ 99.98 percent. Matrix acidification employed sub-boiled HCl and ultrapure water. Key steps and instrumental methods include:

• Gravimetric preparation for SI traceability
• Verification by primary and titrimetric methods
• Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) for Os and trace impurities
• Atomic emission spectrometry (AES) for select elements
• ICP-OES for Ir, Rh, Ru and impurity profiling
• ICP-MS for trace impurity assessment
• Calibration against internal standards and SRM NIST 3138, 3140 and 3144

Main results and discussion

The certified concentration for each analyte is 100.0 mg/L at 20 °C with an expanded uncertainty of ± 0.5 mg/L (k = 2). The corresponding mass fraction is 97.5 mg/kg ± 0.7 mg/kg. The matrix density is 1.0258 g/cm3 ± 0.0005 g/cm3. Trace impurities were quantified at sub-µg/L levels and reported for user information only. Homogeneity and stability studies confirm performance over a two-year shelf life when stored between 5 °C and 30 °C and used within 12 months of opening.

Benefits and practical applications

• Enables precise calibration of AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS and selected electroanalytical methods
• Supports method validation, routine quality control and proficiency testing
• Direct SI traceability enhances confidence in quantitative results
• Reduces interlaboratory variability through a standardized reference solution

Future trends and potential uses

Advances may include expansion of certified element panels, development of multi-element low-level standards for emerging contaminants, integration of digital certificates and blockchain for supply chain transparency, and miniaturized formats for microvolume analysis.

Conclusion

ASTASOL AN9120MC offers a robust, SI-traceable calibration solution for platinum group elements in aqueous media. Its rigorous certification, confirmed homogeneity and stability, and detailed usage guidelines make it a valuable tool for analytical laboratories seeking high accuracy and comparability of results.

References

• ISO Guide 31 for reference material certification
• NIST SRM 3138 for palladium
• NIST SRM 3140 for platinum
• NIST SRM 3144 for rhodium
• Analytika document on production of aqueous calibration solutions