Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ QUANT'X EDXRF Spectrometer

The combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF) is an effective method for quality control and research analysis of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells. In this application note, Thermo Fisher Scientific discusses the analysis of CIGS solar cells, an important material for thin-film solar cell technology. The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ EQUINOX 100 X-ray Diffractometer is presented as a suitable instrument for fast screening of thin film samples using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). The ARL EQUINOX 100 X-ray Diffractometer can perform a full GIXRD scan of CIGS solar cells within two-minute measurement time, which can distinguish between different structure types, the amorphous/crystalline character of the sample, and even between different layers in the same module.

Liquid hazardous waste is an industrial waste typified by mixtures of solvents, oils, paints and pigments which may pose a potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly disposed of. Before incineration, it is usually required by governmental regulations to screen such liquid hazardous waste fuel (LHWF) for the presence of toxic and/or volatile elements above certain concentration levels. In this application note, Thermo Fisher Scientific highlights the capability of the ARL™ QUANT’X Spectrometer to monitor 11 elements over a wide concentration range. Sample preparation using graphite as described in ASTM D5839 offers a fast and straightforward method to deal with the typical non-homogeneity of LHWF samples. A 60 second analysis time per condition under air yields detection limits of 5 ppm or less.

Driven by the US EPA's commitment to improving air quality, there is an increasing demand for monitoring specific elements in ambient particulate matter. X-ray fluorescence emerges as the preferred method due to its non-destructive nature and superior sensitivity. In this application note, Thermo Fisher Scientific presents the ARL QUANT’X™ EDXRF Spectrometer as a tool for this purpose, offering multiple element analysis on air filters with minimal sample preparation. The analysis time can typically take around 4–10 minutes per filter depending on the number of elements and their concentration level. The ARL QUANT’X is best suited for direct, non-destructive and reliable analysis of toxic and other elements of environmental concern with typical detection limits in the nanogram/cm2 range.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) typically consists of plastics, textile, cardboard/paper and organic matter. Chemical characterization of waste to determine any hazardous elements is critical to determine the processing route. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) is a cost-efficient instrumental technique to determine all elements of interest at concentrations of a few ppm to % w/w. In this application note, explore the Thermo Scientific™ ARL QUANT’X™ XRF EDXRF Spectrometer, a fast and cost-effective solution for screening of MSW samples for the presence of any hazardous elements.

Sewage sludge is a byproduct of domestic sewage and waste water treatment. Due to the nature of the physicochemical process involved in waste water treatment, sludge tends to concentrate heavy metals and other harmful constituents present in waste water. In this application note, Thermo Fisher Scientific illustrates how the ARL QUANT’X™ EDXRF Spectrometer is ideally suited to screen and monitor the heavy element content of sewage sludge. An easy, straightforward calibration using fundamental parameters and pure element compounds offers a fast semi-quantitative analysis method with very little sample preparation required. The silicon drift detector (SDD) allows for excellent element sensitivities and the multiple primary beam filters offer optimal background control.

A variety of analytical techniques are used in the food industry to determine the nutritional value of milk-based powders, which consist of milk powder with added nutrients. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) is employed for rapid and straightforward elemental analysis. In this application note, Thermo Fisher Scientific illustrates how the ARL QUANT’X™ EDXRF Spectrometer, when equipped with a graphene detector window, is an excellent tool for monitoring the elemental composition of milk-based powders. Light elements such as Na and Mg, which were previously difficult to detect, now show well-defined signals of sufficient intensity to set up reliable calibration curves.