Bench Boost by Inorganic Ventures
Bench Boost is a podcast for analytical chemistry enthusiasts, hosted by Inorganic Ventures' Technical Director, Mike Booth. Each episode features conversations with a panel of experts who delve into the world of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. Listeners can expect practical tips, tricks, and deep discussions on various topics in analytical chemistry. The show aims to educate and engage professionals and hobbyists alike in the field.
Episodes
Inside an Ultra-High Purity Lab
Send us Fan MailIn part two of our PURE Laboratories collab Mike continues his conversation with Erik Miller and Dave Neville from Pure Laboratories, exploring what it takes to produce five-nine and six-nine purity materials. Learn about contamination control, sample preparation, ICP quality control, laboratory design, and the small details that make a big difference in ultra-trace elemental analy
Pure - The Business of High Purity Materials
Send us Fan MailIn this special episode of Bench Boost, the Inorganic Ventures podcast, host Mike Booth sits down with Erik Miller and Will Marble from Pure Laboratories to discuss the growing demand for ultra-high purity materials. They explore challenges surrounding raw material quality, rare earth supply, custom synthesis, and how material purity impacts advanced industries including semiconduc
Container Materials
Send us Fan MailThis week on Bench Boost Mike explains why sample container choice can significantly impact elemental analysis results through contamination, adsorption, precipitation, chemical attack, or evaporation. The differences in glass vs common plastics are reviewed in detail, and the episode concludes with a brief discussion on proper cleaning/leaching, and the practice using dedicated co
CCVs & ICVs
Send us Fan MailThis week on Bench Boost Mike explains two key ICP-OES/ICP-MS quality control samples: the Initial Calibration Verification (ICV) and Continuing Calibration Verification (CCV). The ICV is run after calibration and before samples to confirm the calibration worked. The CCV is run periodically during the batch to confirm the calibration remains valid as drift, clogging, cone buildup,
Elevated ICP-OES Backgrounds
Send us Fan MailThis week Mike discusses elevated backgrounds in ICP-OES when analyzing high total dissolved solids (TDS) samples such as brines, digests, excipients, salts, and starting materials. TDS increases free electron density in the plasma, producing Bremsstrahlung (braking) radiation and recombination radiation, which raise a broad continuum background across the spectrum. The elevated ba
Conductivity Tips and Tricks
Send us Fan MailJoin Mike this week on Bench Boost as he explores the basics of conductivity measurements. We review the theory of how conductivity is dependent on ion concentration, charge, and mobility. He describes how contact probes work, emphasizing the cell constant and how proper probe selection to avoid poor sensitivity or signal saturation. Temperature is highlighted as a major variable,
Titrations and USP 541
Send us Fan MailThis week on Bench Boost we discuss titration techniques based on USP 541 and the Inorganic Venture's Titration Tips and Tricks guide. Mike explains the difference between equivalence point and observed endpoint and how key performance factors can include using the correct glassware, appropriate techniques, and thorough cleaning of burettes. We also cover the correct way to re
pH and USP 791
Send us Fan MailThis week on Bench Boost Mike explains why accurate pH measurement is more complex than it appears, highlighting the effects from temperature, ionic strength, calibration technique, probe condition, and sample chemistry. He reviews pH theory of hydrogen ion activity (not just concentration) and the logarithmic meaning of pH changes, then describes how a pH probe functions as an ele
Common Tips for Analyzing Low Concentrations
Send us Fan MailThis week on Bench Boost Mike shares practical tips for analyzing pharmaceutical samples at low concentrations for USP 232 elemental impurities, emphasizing that high dilution makes small contamination or carryover issues critical. He advises minimizing contamination through careful container selection (avoiding glass and using acid-leached LDPE or leached polypropylene), and outli
The J Value
Send us Fan MailThis week Mike and Ashley explain the J value used in pharmaceutical elemental impurity testing to relate typical ICP concentration units to permitted daily exposure (PDE) limits reported in micrograms per day under USP <232> and ICH Q3D. They describe how J value accounts for both sample dilution factor and maximum daily dose, making results comparable to PDE requirements. T
Pharma Elemental Analysis Overview
Send us Fan MailThis week Mike & Ashley review the standardized methods for elemental impurity analysis in pharmaceuticals: ICH Q3D, USP <232>, and USP <233>. ICH Q3D provides guidelines for testing up to 24 elements and emphasizes risk assessment but not detailed testing calculations; USP <232> sets elemental impurity limits; and USP <233> addresses sample preparation
Tech Support Questions 2
Send us Fan MailThe Inorganic Ventures team members answer more listener questions relevant to trace analysis. They address low mercury recovery at 2 ppb, noting mercury instability in nitric acid, adsorption to plastic, options such as preparing in HCl or stabilizing with ~1 ppm gold. They explain detection limit calculations using calibration data and blank replicates & distinguish instrumen
Tech Support Questions 1
Send us Fan MailThe Inorganic Ventures team answers listener questions focused on pharmaceutical elemental impurity analysis by ICP-MS. They explain why an indium internal standard becomes unstable in high-pH matrices due to insoluble hydroxide formation and how EDTA complexation can stabilize indium when used for iodine analysis. They discuss mercury washout problems caused by volatility, adsorpt
Troubleshooting Mining Samples Common Causes of Bad Data
Send us Fan MailThis week on Bench Boost Mike, Autumn, Micah, and Josh discuss common ICP-OES/ICP-MS issues in mining analyses and how to troubleshoot them by separating sample-prep from instrument root causes. Key sample-prep problems include incomplete digestion of refractory minerals, loss of volatile analytes, spitting, and adsorption/instability during transfers. They review contamination bef
How to Validate a New Mining Method for ICP-OES or ICP-MS
Send us Fan MailThis week on Bench Boost Mike, Autumn, and Thomas dive deep into validation procedures for ICP-OES and ICP-MS methods. They discuss the importance of planning validation parameters early, understanding sample matrices & analyte levels, and achieving complete dissolution via appropriate digestions. They review the seven key validation parameters of accuracy, precision, detection
Avoiding Precipitation During Mining Sample Prep
Send us Fan MailThis week on Bench Boost the team from Inorganic Ventures discusses avoiding precipitation during sample preparation. They review mining sample challenges including high concentrations of Ca, Fe, Al, & silicates, sulfate-rich matrices forming insoluble sulfates, and rare earth elements requiring a more acidic matrix. Thomas explains how hydrolysis leads to insoluble metal hydro
Collision Reaction Cell ICPMS for Mining Applications
Send us Fan MailThis week on Bench Boost on team spotlights mining analysis challenges on ICP-MS due to high total dissolved solids, aggressive digestions, and low-ppb targets requiring interference control. They review ICP-MS interference types, giving examples such as ArO on Fe, and ArCl on As. The team explains how collision cell (helium KED) is used to reduce polyatomics and how reaction cell
ICP Considerations for Lithium
Send us Fan MailThis week on Bench Boost our team reviews special considerations for measuring lithium by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. They discuss common lithium sample types and preparation guidance. Autumn emphasizes the impact of high total dissolved solids (TDS) and easily ionizable elements (EIEs) causing plasma ionization-balance shifts and signal suppression for some sample types. Additional tips i
Method Detection Limits in Mining: Why MDLs are Higher than You Expect
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost our team revisits method detection limits (MDLs) with a focus on why mining applications often produce higher MDLs than expected. Autumn contrasts instrument detection limits with method detection limits, which reflect real sample matrices, interferences, and method variability. Liv explains mining-specific drivers of elevated MDLs, including aggressi
Axial vs Radial ICP-OES for Mining
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost, Mike, Autumn, and Thomas discuss the differences between axial and radial views when using ICP-OES instruments. The focus is on how each view will impact precision, sensitivity, detection limits, and more. Our team compares which view is more prone to background interferences and which better handles complex samples with high concentrations of total
Why Cyanide is Used in Mining Complexation Chemistry Simplified
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost our team focuses the discussion on metal cyanide chemistry. The discussion revolves around how cyanide leaching is used in mining for extracting precious metals like gold and silver. Challenges and considerations for ICP analysis, including matrix matching, are highlighted, along with a brief review of safety protocols for handling cyanide. The episod
PGM (Platinum-Group Metals) Samples: Stabilization & Washout Problems on ICP-MS
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost, our team reviews the challenges and solutions related to measuring Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) using ICP Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). We discuss issues like signal stabilization, sample preparation, and washout problems. They provide practical tips such as the importance of proper sample preparation, ensuring the correct use and aging of Aqua Regia,
REE Rich Ores: What Makes Rare Earth Digestion and Analysis Unique?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost our team discuss the intricacies of digesting and analyzing rare earth element ore samples. This week we cover challenges such as complex spectra, reaction chemistry, and the need for careful sample preparation. Different methods like fusion and acid digestion are explored for effectively getting rare earth elements into solution. The podcast also del
When to Use ICP-OES or ICP-MS
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost our team compares the differences between ICP-OES and ICP-MS and their applications in the mining industry. They share insights on when to choose one technique over the other based on factors like detection limits, sample concentration, matrix effects, and throughput needs. ICP-OES is recommended for higher concentrations and robust applications, whil
Matrix Matching with Customs
Send us Fan MailThis week on Bench Boost our team discusses the importance of custom certified reference materials (CRMs) in precision elemental analysis, particularly in the mining industry. This episode features a continuation of the previous week's discussion on matrix match standards, focusing on the benefits of using custom CRMs. Thomas, Ashley, Liv, and Mike explain how custom CRMs impr
Matrix Matching with Stocks
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost our team discusses the importance of matrix matching standards to samples in the mining industry. They explore the benefits and applications of using stock single element, and multi-element CRMs for accurate precision elemental analysis. The team delves into the challenges of matrix mismatches, particularly in complex, high-concentration acid and tota
Back to Basics: The Complete Workflow
Send us Fan MailThe week our team recaps the “Back to Basics” series on Bench Boost. They discuss topics covered in previous episodes, including pipetting, instrumentation, calibration standards, stability, solubility, lab math, detection limits, and plasma fundamentals. Liv highlights the importance of proper sample preparation and pipetting techniques. Thomas explains the selection of appropriat
3D Printing - Christmas 2025
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost, our team discusses the versatility and utility of 3D printers in the lab. They delve into the various uses of 3D printing, such as fabricating custom parts, prototyping solutions, and creating unique lab tools. The team explains the two main types of 3D printers (FDM and SLA) and the materials they use. They share practical examples of how 3D printin
Back to Basics – Plasma Fundamentals
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost, Ashley, Liv, and Mike delve into the fundamentals of how the plasma functions in ICP-OES and ICP-MS instruments. They explain the process of plasma interaction with sample aerosols, covering steps from desolvation to ionization. The discussion also includes the structure of plasma, its temperature variations, and how it can be manipulated by adjustin
Tech Support Q&A Part 3
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost, our team answers various listener questions on topics such as the use of Unisolv reagents for rare earth element analysis, best practices for replacing leaching solutions, digestion protocols for iron in rabbit brain tissue, interferences in Indium analysis by ICP-OES, and safe analysis of samples prepared with HF. The discussion provides practical a
Back to Basics – Detection Limits
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost, our team discusses detection limits. They cover the differences between instrument detection limits and method detection limits, detailing how each is calculated and the importance of optimizing conditions to achieve the lowest possible detection limits. The discussion includes practical tips for enhancing detection limits through sensitivity adjustm
Turkey, Brine, and Trace Metals
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost Mike, Ashley, Autumn Phillips, and Liv discuss food testing procedures for trace metals with a focus on Thanksgiving, talking how to best analyze turkey brine. They cover various technical considerations, including dilution factors, contamination avoidance, and proper sample preparation techniques for accurate measurement. Specific methods recommended
Back to Basics Part 6: Laboratory Math
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost, Mike, Ashley, Autumn, and Liv discuss fundamental laboratory math. They cover essential formulas used in elemental analysis, including the C1V1=C2V2 formula for preparing solution standards, calculating dilution factors, and performing serial dilutions. They also explain percent recovery as a method accuracy check and contrast the units of PPM and PP
Back to Basics Part 5: Solubility
Send us Fan MailIn this Back-to-Basics episode, Mike is joined by Support Chemist Ashley Jones, R&D Chemist Autumn Phillips, and Stock Production Manager Thomas Kozikowski to break down the fundamentals of solubility—how much of a compound can dissolve, what happens when stable solutions suddenly form solids, and how to predict and prevent precipitation in analytical work. Using examples like
ICP Conference 2025 Recap
Send us Fan MailIn this special episode, Mike is joined by Technical Support Chemist Ashley Jones, R&D Chemist Autumn Phillips, and Production Manager Thomas Kozikowski to recap Inorganic Ventures’ 10th Annual ICP Conference. Held at IV’s headquarters in October, the event brought together scientists, partners, and guests for three days of presentations, hands-on labs, and collaboration. The t
Tech Support Q&A Part 2
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Mike is joined by Support Chemist Ashley Jones and Stock Production Manager Thomas Kozikowski to tackle listener-submitted questions from the lab. First, they unpack whether a standard additions curve from one sample can be applied to others—exploring when it’s valid, what risks come with instrument drift, and why true matrix matching matters. Then, they take on a
Back to Basics Part 4: Solution Stability
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of our Back-to-Basics series, we explore solution stability — why metals sometimes fall out of solution and how to prevent it. Joined by Support Chemist Ashley Jones and Stock Production Manager Thomas Kozikowski, Mike breaks down the chemistry behind hydrolysis, charge density, and how acid strength and complexing agents like chloride and fluoride can stabilize you
Tech Support Q&A
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we tackle real-world technical support questions submitted by listeners. Joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes & Autumn Phillips and Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones, we explore three unique challenges:Stabilizing nitrite (NO₂) standards for ion chromatography and why pH control is the key to preventing unwanted oxidation.Calculating tolerance intervals, inclu
Back to Basics Part 3: Standards & Solutions
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of our Back to Basics series, we explore the critical role of tuning solutions, check solutions, and calibration standards in ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes & Autumn Phillips and Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones, we break down why proper calibration and routine checks are essential to maintaining instrument performance and ensuring ac
Back to Basics Part 2: AA Vs OES Vs MS
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, part of our Back to Basics series, we dive into three of the most widely used elemental analysis techniques: Atomic Absorption (AA), ICP-OES, and ICP-MS. Joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes & Autumn Phillips and Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones, we break down how each method works, where they excel, and the challenges that come with them. From AA’s simplicit
100th Episode Celebration- Back to Basics: Pipetting
Send us Fan MailThis week we’re celebrating a huge milestone—our 100th episode! To mark the occasion, we’re kicking off a brand-new Back to Basics series with a focus on pipetting—the foundation of accurate lab work. Joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes & Autumn Phillips and Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones, we break down common pipetting errors, compare manual vs. electronic pipettors, and
Tech Support Part 3: Solving Silver Challenges & Fast-Tracking Zeolite Digestion
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost, host Mike Booth is joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Madeline Gozzi to answer technical support questions straight from graduate students in the lab. From tackling the stubborn insolubility of silver chloride to mastering rapid zeolite digestion with the UniSolv method, the team breaks down the chemistry and offers practical, lab-ready soluti
Tech Support Part 2: Radiation Myths & Tin Troubles
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost, host Mike Booth is joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Madeline Gozzi to unpack two common technical support questions. From concerns about the radioactivity of uranium and thorium standards to troubleshooting unstable tin recoveries in food analysis, the team shares practical solutions and clear explanations you can bring back to your lab.Key
Tech Support Part 1: Troubleshooting Mercury Analysis & Storage Tips for Custom Standards
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bench Boost, host Mike Booth sits down with R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Madeline Gozzi to dive into real-world technical support questions from the lab. From the tricky behavior of mercury in cannabis matrices to the best way to store custom blend standards, the team shares practical advice and insights you can apply directly to your work.Key topics include:C
SEAL Discrete Analyzer Reagents – Part 2: Chloride, Sulfate, Phosphate, and Ammonia Methods
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, the Inorganic Ventures team continues their overview of SEAL-compatible Discrete Analyzer Reagents—this time focusing on four essential nutrient and anion methods: chloride, sulfate, phosphate, and ammonia.Ashley Jones and Liv Forbes break down the key reactions behind each method, including:The iron thiocyanate reaction for chlorideTurbidimetric analysis of sulfat
SEAL Discrete Analyzer Reagents – Part 1: Silica and Nitrate Methods
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, the team dives into colorimetric methods for silica and nitrate analysis using SEAL Discrete Analyzer Reagents developed by Inorganic Ventures. Ashley Jones and Liv Forbes walk through the chemistries behind the molybdate silica method, cadmium coil nitrate reduction, and hydrazine-based nitrate reduction—along with practical maintenance tips for keeping your reduc
Platinum Sample Prep & Interference Considerations
Send us Fan MailPlatinum may be one of the easier precious metals to dissolve—but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to analyze.In this episode, the team walks through sample prep strategies for a range of platinum-containing materials, including metals, alloys, oxides, ores, and organic matrices. They also cover the most reliable wavelengths and isotopes for ICP-OES and ICP-MS, while flagging key interf
Understanding Colorimetric Methods
Send us Fan MailColorimetric chemistry may seem simple, but getting reliable results takes precision.In this episode, the team breaks down the fundamentals of colorimetric methods, from basic indicators to more advanced workflows using benchtop spectrometers and discrete analyzers. They compare the pros and cons of each approach, share practical advice for pipetting accuracy, and highlight industr
Palladium Sample Prep & Interference Management
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, the team dives into palladium sample preparation for a variety of matrices—metals, alloys, oxides, organics, and ores—highlighting the best acid choices and digestion strategies from our sample prep guide.The team also discusses common challenges when analyzing palladium using ICP-OES and ICP-MS, including isobaric and polyatomic interferences, oxide formation, and
Rare Earths, Clean Data, and Smarter Detection
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, the Inorganic Ventures technical team answers real questions from labs in the field—covering environmental contamination solutions, rare earth stability, acid purity, and practical tips for improving detection limits. It’s an inside look at how small changes in setup and prep can make a big difference in data quality.
Sample Prep & ICP Testing for Nickel
Send us Fan MailNickel is common across many sample types, but prepping and testing it isn’t always straightforward.In this episode, Liv Forbes joins Mike Booth to walk through Inorganic Ventures’ sample preparation strategies for nickel, covering dissolution tips for metals, alloys, oxides, ores, and organic matrices. They also dig into the challenges of ICP-MS analysis, including isobaric and po
Improving Oil Testing with Aqueous Hybrid Standards
Send us Fan MailThis week, we’re introducing a new method developed at Inorganic Ventures for analyzing oil samples using aqueous metal standards in a hybrid organic-aqueous solvent matrix—a solution that brings stability, cleaner data, and wider element compatibility to wear metals testing.Madeline Gozzi joins Mike to explain how this method was designed to align with ASTM 5185 and 6595, and how
Iridium Sample Prep and Testing Tips
Send us Fan MailIridium is one of the most chemically stubborn—and analytically important—precious metals. In this episode, we walk through key methods for getting iridium metal, oxides, and alloys into solution, including aqua regia, high-temperature chlorination, and fusion techniques. We also cover ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing considerations, including line selection, interference management, and
ICP Conference Preview: A Decade In Our Element
Send us Fan MailWe’re back with a preview of our 10th Annual ICP Conference, taking place October 14–16, 2025, at Inorganic Ventures.In this episode, you’ll hear what’s new this year—including hands-on lab stations, data analysis workshops, and expert talks on sample prep, contamination control, and method validation. We also share attendee feedback from past events, a look at the upcoming poster
Palladium Prep, Zeolite Digestion, and Discrete Analyzer Reagents
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, the team answers three timely tech support questions from the lab. First, we cover palladium stability in nitric acid and what to watch for when mixing it with elements like silver or antimony. Then, we walk through a quick, effective digestion method for zeolites, developed by Dr. Paul Gaines and featured in our elemental analysis guide. Finally, we share an updat
Trace Analysis on Tour: A Spring Seminar Recap
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, the team recaps a busy season of spring seminars across the country in partnership with CEM, Agilent, and other ICP Alley collaborators. From Santa Clara to Baton Rouge, our chemists share what they presented, what they learned, and the real-world questions they answered — from mercury washout and silicon rinsing to internal standard selection and leaching practice
Working with Rhodium: Prep, Stability, and Testing
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the challenges of working with rhodium, one of the rarest and most expensive elements used in analytical testing. From metal and oxide digestions to stability tips for nitric and hydrochloric matrices, our team shares methods to help you get this stubborn element into solution. We also cover ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing considerations, including line selec
Troubleshooting Hydroxide, LOQ, and Stock Standards
Send us Fan MailOur experts tackle three customer questions straight from the tech support inbox. We start by explaining why glass isn’t a good choice for storing or diluting lithium hydroxide and offer tips on selecting the best materials to avoid contamination. Next, we clarify how measurement uncertainty and RSDs relate to the limit of quantification, helping you understand what your data is re
Cobalt Sample Prep and Testing Tips
Send us Fan MailTo kick off season 6, we continue our sample prep series with a focus on cobalt. Our team discusses digestion methods for cobalt metals, alloys, oxides, and ores, including when to use nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, or fusion techniques. We also cover testing considerations for ICP-OES and ICP-MS, including cobalt’s sensitivity, common interferences, and its role as an internal st
Real Talk on Chemistry Careers & Battery Industry Trends with Alexa Jackson
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Bench Boost listener and instructional designer Alexa Jackson to talk about career growth, chemistry communication, and her journey from academia to the battery industry. Alexa shares valuable advice for early-career chemists, including tips for writing lab notebooks your future self will thank you for, building scientific intuition, and embracing
Titration Tips: Techniques, Troubleshooting, and Lab Lessons
Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode, Mike dives into titrations — a method that's still essential across industries like environmental testing, manufacturing, and even winemaking. Learn tips for improving accuracy, from proper burette qualification and indicator usage to endpoint detection techniques like quick drops vs. full drops. Mike also shares common troubleshooting advice for colorbli
Chemistry Conspiracy: Chemtrails vs Contrails
Send us Fan MailThis episode takes a fun detour into the world of chemistry conspiracy theories! Mike Booth explores the science behind chemtrails vs. contrails and explains how you could actually test for elements like aluminum, barium, lead, and lithium in air samples using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Learn practical tips for sample collection, how to avoid common interferences, and why trace analysis r
Troubleshooting Tips: High Recoveries, Complex Mixes, and Chloride Digestion Challenges
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we tackle unexpected high recoveries, caused by internal standard signal timing during ICP analysis. Then we unpack a challenging multi-element blend, involving silver, tungsten, sulfur, rare earths, and more — plus how acid choices and order of addition impact stability. Finally, we dig into a sample prep puzzle for chloride analysis in iron phosphate, offering di
Troubleshooting Tips: Tune Solutions in Base and Trace Chloride in Silver Blends
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into two real-world stability challenges from our lab. First, we explore a custom tune solution prepared in dilute ammonium hydroxide for ICP-MS, designed to improve lab efficiency. Learn how it performed over time and how to use it effectively for short-term use. Then, we dig into an unexpected silver instability in a low-level multi-element blend — traced
Troubleshooting Tips: Mercury Recovery, High-Concentration Blends, and IC Stability
Send us Fan MailExperiencing issues in your prep or analysis? This episode is full of practical advice to keep your data on track.Learn how to improve mercury recoveries, including best practices for stabilization in different matrices and container types. We also dive into designing high-concentration multi-element blends, highlighting unexpected incompatibilities and how acid concentration impac
Technical Glossary Part 3: Speciation, Working Solutions, and Matrix Effects
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we wrap up our glossary discussions with a focus on element speciation — why ICP alone can't distinguish oxidation states and how chromatography can help. We also break down working solutions, explaining how to properly dilute stock standards for analysis. Plus, we discuss matrix effects, covering signal suppression, ionization buffers, and why matrix matching
Technical Glossary Part 2: Understanding Calibration, Internal Standards, and Blank Corrections
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we continue exploring key terms in elemental analysis, focusing on calibration standards, how they establish accuracy, and why they are essential for reliable results. We also cover internal standards, their role in correcting matrix effects, and best practices for selecting them. Finally, we dive into blank corrections, breaking down calibration blanks, reagent bl
Pittcon 2025 Recap: Industry Connections and Key Takeaways
Send us Fan MailFresh from Pittcon 2025, we’re recapping the biggest moments, key industry insights, and what made ICP Alley a must-visit destination! Hear about our experience connecting with customers, tackling live tech support questions, and catching up with industry partners. Plus, we dive into new trends in sample introduction, instrument developments, and technical challenges analysts are f
Technical Glossary Part 1: Understanding Standards, SI Traceability, and Uncertainty
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we unpack fundamental concepts that every ICP analyst should know. Learn what National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) are and why SI traceability is essential for accurate measurements. We also clarify the differences between SRMs, CRMs, RMs, and PCRMs, helping you choose the right standard for your work. Plus, we discuss accuracy vs. precision, measurement uncertaint
ICP Q&A: Choosing the Right Standards and Fixing High Recoveries
Send us Fan MailIn this Q&A episode, we answer common questions from ICP analysts, including how to choose between AA and CG product lines for your standards, when certification levels matter, and what documentation differences to expect. We also troubleshoot high recoveries of copper and lead in ICP-OES, exploring possible interferences, calibration curve issues, and internal standard miscalc
ICP Q&A: EPA 200.8, Antimony Stability, and HF Safety Tips
Send us Fan MailIn this Q&A episode, we answer analyst questions on EPA Method 200.8, including tuning recommendations, chloride interferences, and digestion techniques for wastewater and drinking water analysis. We also tackle antimony stability, comparing HF and tartaric acid stabilization methods, and discuss key strategies for minimizing contamination in ICP-MS. Plus, our team shares criti
ICP Q&A: Sample Prep Fixes, LOD/LOQ Tips, and Contamination Control
Send us Fan MailIn this Q&A episode, our team answers real-world questions from analysts like you! We discuss strategies for preventing aluminum loss in HF digestions, a listener-submitted method using boric acid to reverse precipitation, and the best ways to calculate limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) in ICP-OES. Plus, we dive into iron contamination risks, common sou
ICP Alley: Insights from GFS Chemicals Ahead of Pittcon 2025
Send us Fan MailIn the final installment of our ICP Alley series, we feature Cole Hutchinson from GFS Chemicals. Learn how GFS’s ultrapure acids and high-purity reagents help analysts tackle the growing challenges of ultra-low detection limits and contamination. Cole shares insights on minimizing impurities, proper handling techniques, and how GFS’s innovative products ensure precision in ICP anal
ICP Alley: Preparing for Pittcon 2025 with Glass Expansion
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we continue our journey to Pittcon 2025 with a spotlight on Glass Expansion. Join us as Ryan Brennan shares how Glass Expansion has become a trusted leader in sample introduction systems for ICP-MS and ICP-OES. Discover practical tips for preventing signal drift, maintaining your instruments, and choosing the right accessories to optimize your analysis. Plus, learn
ICP Alley: A Look into Pittcon 2025 with CEM
Send us Fan MailGet ready for a new level of collaboration at Pittcon 2025 with ICP Alley! In this episode, we sit down with Michael Howe (aka Howie) from CEM Corporation to discuss this exciting joint venture between Inorganic Ventures, CEM, Glass Expansion, and GFS Chemicals. Learn how ICP Alley will serve as a one-stop hub for ICP analysts, offering insights from sample prep to analysis. Plus,
Q&A Session: Troubleshooting ICP Challenges
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we answer listener questions about real-world ICP challenges. From setting up effective control charts to managing violent reactions during metal digestions, our team provides actionable solutions. We also explore strategies for digesting complex alloys and ensuring precise measurements for high-concentration samples like nickel, tungsten, and iron. Whether you&apo
Troubleshooting ICP Washout
Send us Fan MailStruggling with washout issues in your ICP analyses? This episode is packed with solutions. We break down why certain elements stick around longer, the best rinse solutions for different challenges, and how to optimize your setup for cleaner results. From tackling HF elements and nitric-sensitive analytes to tips for using ICP TrueRinse, we cover it all. Whether you’re fine-tuning
Samples Containing Ru & Os
Send us Fan MailThis episode focuses on the rare and fascinating element ruthenium and osmium, two members of the platinum group metals. Learn the best methods for dissolving these challenging metals using fusion techniques, how to prevent the formation of volatile tetroxides, and key strategies for maintaining stability in solution. We also explore testing considerations for ICP-OES and ICP-MS, i
Samples Containing Fe
Send us Fan MailIron is one of the most common and challenging elements to handle in the lab, both as a key analyte and as a potential contaminant. In this episode, we tackle the nuances of working with iron in the lab. From avoiding contamination in your tools and reagents to selecting the right acid combinations for dissolving metals, alloys, and oxides, we cover it all. Discover how to maintain
Samples Containing Re
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the rare yet versatile element rhenium, used in high-temperature applications like turbine blades and jet engines. Learn how to effectively prepare rhenium samples, including best practices for dissolving metals and handling oxides through fusion techniques. We also cover tips for testing on ICP-OES and ICP-MS, with insights on avoiding interferences fro
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