Our Techniques
Introduction
The Elemental & Isotope Analysis Unit at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape performs elemental and isotope analysis on solution and solid samples, either by Multicollectopr ICP-MS, Solution ICP-MS & -AES, an Elemental Analyser to measure CHNS, XRF for major oxides and minor elements in rock or soil samples, and LA ICP-MS to measure whole-rock or in-situ mineral trace elements.
Multicollector ICP-MS
Perform routine isotope analysis or explore novel isotopes in unknown materials using the Thermo Scientific Neoma multicollector ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS). This ICP-MS system builds on our multicollector technology to deliver all the advantages of high-precision isotope ratio analysis, with none of the limitations. It includes state-of-the art software and hardware, features flexible and sensitive detector technology, a sensitive ion source and excellent mass resolving power, enabling challenging isotope analyses.
Now Neoma MC-ICP-MS comes with the upgrade pathway to Thermo Scientific™ Neoma™ MS/MS MC-ICP-MS, the first dedicated collision/reaction cell MC-ICP-MS with unique pre-cell mass filtering technology. Allowing you to separate out isobaric interferences and opening up new avenues in the field of laser ablation MC-ICP-MS and beyond.
Technology that transforms your science
Building on the strength of our multicollector technology, the Neoma MC-ICP-MS system blends the cutting-edge and field-proven technologies found in Thermo Scientific high-resolution isotope ratio mass spectrometers and Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ Qnova ICP-MS systems:
- Robust iCAP Qnova ICP-MS source
- Jet interface: for highest sensitivity and stability in wet and dry plasma
- Extra High resolution (XHR): enabling hydride interference removal
- Limit breaking detector array: 11 moveable collectors. No limitations
- 1013 Ω Amplifier Technology with extended dynamic range
- Retarding Potential Quadrupole (RPQ): for excellent abundance sensitivity enabling accurate quantification of extreme isotope ratios
- Multi Ion Counting (MIC) packages: dedicated for specific nuclear and geochronology applications.
- Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution™ (ISDS) Software: for ultimate ease of use and flexibility in instrument control and method design.
High-precision isotope ratio analysis, simplified
- Delivers performance with market-leading sensitivity, isotope ratio precision and accuracy
- Features the latest hardware and software making the system easier to use than legacy MC-ICP-MS systems
- Offers operator-focused software, with integrated first- and third-party peripheral control to streamline workflows and enhance productivity
- Enables high throughput for routine applications while retaining the flexibility required for researching new applications
Break through the noise
There are some situations when even the highest resolution is not enough. Isobaric interferences cannot be resolved even with the best ICP-MS instruments available. Thermo Scientific™ Neoma™ MS/MS MC-ICP-MS provides the solution.
For users familiar with triple quad ICP-MS technology, the Neoma MS/MS MC-ICP-MS represents the next leap forward in terms of precision and accuracy. With a similar structure of filter, react, separate, the Neoma MS/MS MC-ICP-MS allows for the effective removal of isobaric interferences without compromising sensitivity, with the additional benefit of simultaneous isotope analysis, for ultimate precision and accuracy of your isotope ratio.
Solutions ICP-MS
Most of the elements on the periodic table, with the exception of C, H, O, N, the halides & inert gasses can be analysed, in the concentration range of hundreds of mg/L to ng/L. Major and minor elements down to mid-ppb values are measured on a Thermo ICap 6300 ICP-AES, while trace and ultra-trace analysis is done on an Agilent 7900 ICP-MS or Agilent 8800 QQQ ICP-MS. Data is quantified with calibration solutions prepared from NIST traceable standards, and quality control procedures according to US EPA guidelines are followed to ensure accuracy of data. Samples can be prepared by the client, or we can do a microwave digestion on a large variety of samples.
Laser Ablation ICP-MS
Trace element analysis
A Resolution 193nm Excimer laser ablation system from Applied Spectra is connected to an Agilent 7700 ICP-MS for most of the trace element analysis, using spot sizes between 20 and 100µm. Trace elements in bulk rock samples are analysed on polished mounts prepared from XRF fusions. Individual minerals such as oxides, sulphides or gold in grain mounts, thin- or polished sections grains are also analysed for their trace element compositions. Mounted and polished NIST standards and certified reference materials are used for quantification, using standard bracketing. Data is processed using LADR software from Norris Scientific.
U/Pb isotope analysis
A Thermo Element 2 SF ICP-MS is connected to our laser abltion system to measure U/Pb isotope ratios in minerals such as zircon, rutile and monazite for the purpose of age determinations. The CAF ICP unit do not offer a geochron service, but researchers can make use of our instruments to acquire and process their own U/Pb data. Grain mounts can be prepared in our labs, and CL images acquired at the SEM unit that are to be used in setting the precise location of the U/Pb analysis spot. Users are assisted in setting up the sample spots to be analysed (remote access to the laser terminal is also possible), as well as how to use our Iolite software to process the LA ICP data themselves. Users need to do all data interpretation and finalisation for publishable data.
Elemental Analyser
An Elementar Vario EL Cube Elemental Analyzer is available to measure C, H, N & S in a variety of samples, including soil, pharmaceutical, animal tissue, food & bio-fuel, with sample sizes from 1mg to ~ 1g.
Protein determination can be done by applying a correction factor to the measured nitrogen content of your food or animal feed sample. This is much quicker than the traditional Kjeldahl method. At the same time you will also obtain C, H and S values, as the instrument always measures all 4 elements.
Sample preparation for EA
We can only assist with drying of your samples if needed, you need to ensure the samples were appropriately prepared depending on the sample type.
Get a Quotation
Please follow the link to generate an online analysis request and quotation. After you click the submit button a quotation will be emailed to you.
Sample Preparation
Please download and follow the different sample preparations required for the different techniques.
Brochures
To request access to the NII PACS (images, reports) or for technical support, please send an email to pacs@sun.ac.za.
If you have already have a PACS user account, you can access the results portal below.
Brochures
Please click to download our brochures to see what laboratory services we offer in the different fields of interest,
Doctors Referral
Private patients can download the doctor’s referral form. All private patients require referral from a doctor.
