CRM Lanthanum (La) - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN90291N

Significance of the Topic

Reliable calibration standards play a critical role in ensuring accuracy and traceability in trace element analysis across atomic spectrometric and electroanalytical techniques. Certified reference materials such as a well-characterized lanthanum solution support method validation and quality control in research, industrial, and regulatory laboratories.

Objectives and Overview of Certificate

The certificate documents the production and certification details of ASTASOL® AN90291N, an aqueous calibration standard for lanthanum at a nominal concentration of 1000 mg/L. Key information includes the source compound, matrix composition, density, production batch, and validity parameters.

Methodology

The standard was prepared gravimetrically from high-purity La2O3 (99.999%) and diluted in 2% HNO3 with ultrapure water, ensuring direct SI traceability. Certified concentration and uncertainty were established via complexometric titration using SRM NIST 928 and cross-checked against independent reference solutions (SRM NIST 3127a). Homogeneity and stability studies confirm consistent performance over the declared shelf life.

Used Instrumentation

• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Main Results and Discussion

The certified value of lanthanum concentration is 1000 ± 2 mg/L at 20 °C, with a determined density of 1.0156 ± 0.0005 g/cm³. Trace impurities were quantified at sub-µg/L to low mg/L levels, all below critical limits, thus not affecting calibration integrity. The solution demonstrates robust homogeneity and long-term stability under recommended storage conditions.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This lanthanum CRM enables precise calibration and validation of analytical workflows including AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, molecular absorption, and selected electroanalytical assays. It supports laboratories in achieving regulatory compliance and quality assurance in elemental analysis.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in microfluidic sample introduction, hyphenated separation techniques, and digital certification platforms will further expand the utility of aqueous CRMs. Emerging fields such as single-particle ICP-MS and high-throughput screening will benefit from highly characterized lanthanum standards.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN90291N offers a rigorously certified and traceable lanthanum standard, underpinning accurate quantitative analysis in diverse spectrometric and electroanalytical applications. Its validated performance and detailed documentation make it a reliable tool for calibration and quality control.

Reference

• ISO Guide 31: Preparation of Reference Materials
• ISO 17034:2017 – General Requirements for Reference Material Producers
• NIST SRM 928 and SRM 3127a for method verification