Determination of rare earth elements by spectroscopic techniques: a review

Abstract

An overview of publications focussed on the period since 2000 and outlining modern methods of sample preparation as well as advanced techniques for determination of rare earth elements (REE) in various matrices is presented in this paper. The review discusses the problems of REE determination in diverse samples i.e. from biological through environmental and geological to advanced materials. The preferable procedure of sample digestion and the most frequently applied methods of sample preparation for determination of trace elements are discussed in this paper. The case of direct analysis of samples for REE determination is also discussed. The review outlines determination of REE employing many techniques such as, inter alia, flame or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic absorption with chemical vapor generation, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and neutron activation analysis. This article summarizes and classifies materials in which rare earth elements are present, main places of their occurrence and the methods of their analysis.

Multivariate optimization for cloud point extraction and determination of lanthanides

“…The main advantages are low reagent consumption and low waste generation. The proposed method is an alternative to those based on the use of solid phase extraction 31 for lanthanides pre-concentration in fresh water. …”

Feasibility of using rare earth elements (REEs) to mark and identify escaped farmed Atlantic salmonSalmo salarL.

“…The most common techniques used for the determination of REEs are inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and neutron activation analysis (NAA) (Zawisza et al 2011 Determination of REEs is also difficult from the point of view of separation and preconcentration steps. REEs present at trace level (ppm) do not usually require these steps while determination of ultra trace levels (ppb) of REEs often requires a preconcentration method.…”

Rare Elements Electrochemistry: The Development of a Novel Electrochemical Sensor for the Rapid Detection of Europium in Environmental Samples Using Gold Electrode Modified with 2-pyridinol-1-oxide

“…The lanthanide group, containing stable elements from lanthanum to lutetium (Z from 57 to 71), 1 is strongly electropositive and mostly trivalent under a wide range of oxygen fugacity. Europium, samarium and ytterbium also have a valence of +2 and cerium, terbium and praseodymium have a valence of +4.…”

“…The current analytical methods employed to analyze the lanthanides are generally: inter alia, 1,5 flame or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, [5][6][7] atomic absorption with chemical vapour generation, 5,[7][8] X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, 5,[7][8] inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, 5,[9][10][11] inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry 5,10,12 and neutron activation analysis. 5,10,13 However, many of these methods require several time-consuming manipulation steps, sophisticated instruments and special training.…”

“…2 Screening of the 4f orbitals leads to the extremely similar physical and chemical properties. [1][2][3][4] The structure of the 2-pyridinol-1-oxide (2-PO) and the predicted lanthanide complex is depicted in Scheme 1.…”