September 16th 2024
A recent study by researchers at the University of Porto demonstrates the potential of handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometers to analyze cigarette ash, providing a new method for forensic investigation. This non-destructive technique can differentiate between various tobacco brands based on the elemental composition of their ash.
Recent Developments in Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering
November 1st 2017There has been a resurgence in the application of small-angle X-ray scattering for a large range of problems in materials science. This article highlights experimental requirements and applications, with examples drawn from protein solutions, porous structures, and polymers.
Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry for Metals and Nanoparticle Analysis
June 8th 2016Total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry is an energy-dispersive x-ray technique that is used for elemental and chemical analysis, and is especially suitable for small-sample analyses. Ursula Fittschen, an assistant professor at Washington State University, is working on elemental microscopy and micro analysis. She has been using TXRF to analyze stainless steel metal release, and also airborne silver nanoparticles (NPs) from fabrics. Here, she describes the advantages and challenges of this technique.
Review of New Spectroscopic Instrumentation 2016
May 1st 2016Our annual review of products introduced at Pittcon or during the previous year, broken down by the following categories: accessories, atomic spectroscopy, components, imaging, mass spectrometry, mid-IR, NIR, NMR, Raman, software, UV-vis, and X-ray.
Growing Applications of XRF Spectroscopy: In the Field, the Factory, and the Lab
September 4th 2015As a fast, quasi-nondestructive analytical technique, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is useful for a wide range of applications. To get a sense of the current breadth of XRF’s use and its potential growth in new areas, we asked a panel of experts to comment on the most important application areas for XRF, including the challenges involved and how XRF competes with other techniques.
Analysis of the State of the Art: XRF
June 1st 2015In honor of Spectroscopy's celebration of 30 years covering the latest developments in materials analysis, we asked a panel of experts to assess the current state of the art of X-ray fluorescence and to try to predict how the technology will develop in the future.
XRF Analysis of Cultural Heritage Materials
November 10th 2014Works of art often consist of multiple layers and can require several complementary techniques for complete analysis, and invasive sample preparation procedures and analysis techniques are not good choices. This interview with Dr. Karen Trentelman of the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) in Los Angeles, California, discusses her research with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy for the study of cultural heritage materials such as paintings, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts.
Rapid Determination of Trace Metals in Oil Using Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
July 1st 2014Determination of trace metals in oil and petroleum typically is based on ICP-OES methods, requiring signficant sample preparation and expensive instrumentation. This article presents an alternative method, based on the use of a handheld energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyzer, that involves minimal sample preparation, uses authentic standards for calibration, gives low parts-per-million detection limits, and provides significant time and cost savings.
Emerging Technology Trends in Atomic Spectroscopy Are Solving Real-World Application Problems
March 14th 2014A look at ICP–MS, ICP–OES, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in the areas of research and development, marketing, application, and use of these techniques.
The Top 13 Articles from Spectroscopy in 2013
January 21st 2014Everyone loves a list, and the editors of Spectroscopy are no exception! In 2013, Spectroscopy covered a wide array of topics throughout the year to bring you the most relevant information for your work, on topics ranging from selecting the right ICP-MS system to deciding which Raman technique is right for you, from our annual salary survey to calibration transfer. Here is a list of 13 popular articles and columns from 2013
X-ray Fluorescence and Raman Spectroscopy Help Uncover Archeological Facts
December 5th 2012Researchers continue to find new uses for portable X-ray fluorescence and portable Raman techniques in the field. Mary Kate Donais, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at Saint Anselm College, recently spoke to us about her experiences with these techniques at an archaeological excavation site in Italy.
Synchrotron Radiation-Based XRF Reveals the Secrets of Famous Paintings
July 20th 2011Koen Janssens, professor of chemistry at the University of Antwerp (Belgium), uses synchrotron radiation-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to analyze historic works of art. In a recent study, he used various spectroscopic techniques, including several X-ray methods, to reveal the process by which the yellow paint in some of Vincent Van Gogh?s paintings darkened over time.
Total Reflectance X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
February 11th 2011X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) provides sensitive analysis of the atomic composition of samples. The technique is particularly well-suited for analyzing the elemental range from sodium to uranium, which covers the majority of the metallic elements.