Proficiency testing on the analytical control of precious metal production

Our experience of executing proficiency testing programs on the analysis of precious metals and precious metal bearing materials is summarized. Six proficiency testing programs of the ”distributed sample testing” type were carried out using samples essentially distinct from each other: (I) certified samples of fine gold and fine silver, and (II) recoverable raw (scrap and catalyst waste) containing precious metals of unknown contents. The test results were assessed using the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) rules and by Z-criteria using the ISO/IEC Guide 43 scale. Satisfactory results were presented by all participants for the analysis of certified samples of fine gold and fine silver. The results of catalyst waste analysis agreed rather well, whereas the scrap analysis revealed an essential discrepancy in the data for some samples. The reasons for such discrepancies are discussed. Received: 9 June 2000 Accepted: 21 November 2000     

Colloidal surfactant-free syntheses of precious metal nanoparticles for electrocatalysis

The successful study, understanding, optimization, and ultimately scaling up of electroactive and stable electrodes strongly rely on the careful design and preparation of electrocatalytic materials. In particular, precious metal nanoparticles are key electrocatalysts for a wide range of reactions. Colloidal syntheses offer several advantages to develop precious metal nanoparticles but unfortunately often require capping agents to stabilize the nanoparticles. These ligands or surfactants often block the surface active sites and need to be removed by time and/or energy demanding steps. These extra steps potentially (unnecessarily) complicate studies, might impair reproducibility and limit a direct transfer of fundamental breakthroughs to real-life applications. Fortunately, a range of surfactant-free syntheses have been reported and are well-suited to develop electrocatalysts with improved activity. Surfactant-free syntheses also bear promising features towards high-throughput screening of multi-metallic nanomaterials to explore new concepts in electrode design.     

Interlaboratory comparisons and improvements of methods for acid number determination in used motor oils

The results of two interlaboratory comparisons of acid number determinations in used motor oils are discussed. It is shown that the comparability of the measurement results is not as good as that required by known standards for petroleum products. The problem is motor oil contaminants which accumulated during use, and which are the source of a matrix effect in the acid number determination. The standard methods’ drawbacks are analyzed and some improvements are proposed. Repeatability and accuracy of the improved methods are evaluated. Received: 11 December 2001 Accepted: 15 February 2002     

Evaluation of pulsed radiofrequency glow discharge time-of-flight mass spectrometry for precious metal determination in lead fire assay buttons

In this paper, an exploration of the capabilities and limitations of pulsed radiofrequency glow discharge time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GD-TOFMS) for the determination of the precious metals Ag, Au, Pd, Pt and Rh in lead buttons obtained by Pb fire assay is reported on. Since the matrix consists almost entirely of lead (>99%), the occurrence of doubly charged Pb (Pb²⁺) ions can hinder accurate determination of Rh. This problem was counteracted by relying on the time-resolved formation of different ion types over the pulse period of the glow discharge, which allows discrimination against the Pb²⁺ ions. The formation of ArCu⁺ ions as a result of the use of a copper anode was assessed to pose no threat to the accuracy of the results obtained for the set of samples analyzed as its contribution to the total signal at m/z = 103 could be adequately corrected for. The method developed was evaluated in terms of accuracy and precision using a set of Pb button standards with analyte concentrations between 5 and 100 μg g⁻¹. For the purpose of validation, a 10 μg g⁻¹ standard was considered as a sample. Overall, an acceptable accuracy was obtained with a bias of <5% between the experimental results and the corresponding reference values, except for Au, for which a larger deviation occurred. Precision values (repeatability) of typically <5% relative standard deviation (RSD) (for N = 3) were obtained and the limits of detection (LODs) vary from ∼0.020 μg g⁻¹ for Ag to ∼0.080 μg g⁻¹ for Pt.