Swift analysis method to support the development of mines of critical minerals

This project focuses on the development of a method for the direct analysis of solid samples by laser ablation, which is greatly advantageous over methods requiring sample dissolution. It involves minimal sample preparation and eliminates acids and other reagents required for dissolution, thereby making it a greener method of analysis. However, because ablated solid materials are directly analyzed, analytes are not physically separated from the surrounding matrix and matrix-induced interferences complicate or even prevent quantitative analysis. The proposed approach involves the controlled addition of nitrogen or hydrogen to increase the robustness of the technique used to measure analytes in the dry aerosol produced by laser ablation, thereby reducing or eliminating interferences. The approach will be applied to both depth profiling and surface mapping of geological samples, to determine the in-depth composition and spatial distribution of elements in the sample, respectively. The outcome will be robust analysis methods that address real world challenges and can easily be implemented by commercial laboratories servicing the mining industry. These developments are directly relevant to mine exploration, mine development, and environmental monitoring in Canada where reliable and sensitive analytical methods are essential for direct solid analysis.

Faculty Supervisor:

Diane Beauchemin

Student:

Partner:

Technische Universität Wien

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Mining; Technology

University:

Queen's University

Program: