Determination of oxygen in oxides by carrier gas hot extraction analysis with simultaneous COx detection

The determination of oxygen by carrier gas hot extraction is the most popular method for oxygen analysis, but its application to high oxygen contents in oxides requires a critical look at the basic assumptions of the method. The process was studied for various oxides (Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃, Cr₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MoO₃, NiO, TiO₂, WO₃, Y₂O₃, and ZrO₂) using a modern analyser with IR-detectors for CO₂ and CO. There was a difference specific to oxides that must be known to get the required analytical results with high precision and accuracy. High amounts of CO₂ were formed particularly from Bi₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MoO₃, NiO, and WO₃. The reaction rate can be controlled with delayed heating of the furnace, so that an oxide sample weight of up to 100 mg can be used. Received: 13 April 1999 / Revised: 24 June 1999 / Accepted: 28 June 1999