A new method for quantitative analysis of metal content in heterogeneous catalysts: Laser ablation-ICP-AES

Analysis of catalysts by XRF, ICP-AES or AAS requires sample preparation, which is time consuming and a source of contaminations. Analytical performances of direct analysis of catalysts by LA-ICP-AES are evaluated and compared to usual methods. The coupling allows direct and simultaneous analysis of elements from the support and the catalytic phase. The analytical criteria obtained: LODs below 50 ppm, precision better than 5%, linearity from 0.01 to several weight percents and an analysis time less than 5 min, demonstrated that this method represents an interesting alternative to classical methods. Accuracy was evaluated according to different criteria: alumina phase, physico-chemical form of the supported metals, and presence of concomitant metals. Results showed no influence of the alumina phase on Pt-Sn determination in catalysts. Nevertheless, for the analysis of catalysts with high metal loading, matrix effects were observed. As an example, the use of matrix matching was found to give a mean accuracy in the 10% range for Ni determination. To cite this article: G. Alloncle et al., C R. Chimie 12 (2009). (C) 2009 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.