Innovative Elemental Analysis for Materials Science and Engineering

Elemental analysis is a fundamental tool in materials science for identifying which chemical elements are present in a sample—and in what quantities. It answers the essential question: What is this material made of, and in what proportions? The elemental composition directly affects key material properties such as mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability. This session provides an application-oriented overview of key analytical techniques, including Inductively Coupled Plasma methods (ICP), X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), Atomic and Molecular Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS/MAS), Glow Discharge-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GD-OES), Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Combustion Methods for Carbon and Sulfur analysis. Each technique is introduced with its basic principles, capabilities, and limitations—illustrated through practical examples.

Participants gain a solid understanding of the methodologies and typical applications of each technique and learn how to select appropriate methods based on their analytical requirements. This serves as a valuable foundation for the subsequent modules.

Inductively coupled plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) coupled with electrothermal vaporization (ETV) is a fast and efficient method to analyze high-tech materials directly — without time-consuming sample preparation. In industry, it is increasingly used for quality control of high-purity materials needed in electronics, batteries, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and specialized graphites. These materials often have strict purity requirements and demand precise testing beyond what standard methods can offer. This module shows how ETV can make quality control in production and incoming goods faster, more reliable, and easier to integrate into daily workflows.

Participants will learn how the method helps meet high standards, reduce turnaround time, and keep processes stable and efficient. The module focuses on practical examples and demonstrates how ETV has successfully moved from research into everyday industrial use, making it a valuable tool for modern production and testing labs. The knowledge can be transferred to other ICP methods.

Laser ablation coupled with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA/ICP-MS) is the “go-to” method for (trace) element and isotopic analysis and allows for the rapid and direct analysis of the elemental composition of solid materials without the need for complex acid digestion. This microanalytical technique is ideal for analyzing hard-to-dissolve materials, such as metals, ceramics, alloys, and polymers. LA/ICP-MS combines high sensitivity, multi-element capability, and spatial resolution down to the micrometer scale, making it a powerful tool for characterizing materials and ensuring quality control. This module introduces the fundamentals of LA/ICP-MS, including sample preparation, calibration, tuning, and data acquisition.

Participants will learn to apply the method to tasks such as bulk analysis of steels and alloys, depth profiling of layered materials, elemental mapping of anodes, detecting metallic impurities in silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) wafers, and analyzing nanoparticles and microplastics. With its minimal sample preparation requirements and ability to resolve fine structures, LA/ICP-MS supports innovation and quality assurance in materials research and production.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are among the most critical emerging contaminants. They pose major challenges for recycling, material development, and environmental protection. There are millions of different PFAS compounds, and they are highly persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. Their analysis is also notoriously complex due to their diverse properties. This module highlights how advanced elemental analytical methods contribute to safer and more sustainable material design, as well as support the transition to a circular economy. After an introduction to the principles of the circular economy, the challenges of recycling, and the role of analytical chemistry, the focus shifts to PFAS. Participants will learn about current analytical strategies, including target methods and sum parameters, such as extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF). The potential of High resolution-continuum source-graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS) for detecting PFAS as a sum parameter will be discussed, as this enables better risk assessment and improved material safety.

Participants will learn how analytical chemistry can help minimize pollutant release, ensure compliance, and develop CE-compliant materials by understanding and applying these approaches.

Day two of the workshop will take place in the laboratory: the theoretical principles taught will be put into practice; the performance of the techniques will be demonstrated using concrete applications. Attendees will have the chance to get in contact and discussion among each other. Furthermore, enough time will be provided to discuss individual aspects of elemental analytics, specific aspects of sample handling as well as general working principles of the techniques demonstrated.

In addition to methodological aspects, practical application questions are also in focus, such as:

• How many samples can be processed per day (speed and throughput)?
• How robust are the measurements under non-ideal conditions?
• Can the system be operated reliably by technical personnel without scientific training?
• What are the costs associated with measurement, instrumentation, and operation?

The following three modules will be offered, and each attendee has the chance to follow every module. They are offered in a rotating manner.

Module 1: Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) coupled with electrothermal vaporization (ETV) for solid materials – fundamentals and applications

Within Module 1, the working principle, optimization of ETV as well as online coupling of ETV with ICP-OES will be demonstrated. The trace metal analysis of graphite will be demonstrated. Afterwards, data assessment strategies will be demonstrated. Next to maintaining, some aspects related to trouble shooting will be highlighted.

Module 2: Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry coupled with laser ablation (LA/ICP-MS) for solid materials – fundamentals and applications

Within Module 2, the working principles of LA and ICP-ToF-MS will be introduced. The online coupling with LA, tuning as well as sample preparation for laser ablation will be demonstrated. Afterwards, a slag sample will be spatially analyzed. The setup available in Division 1.1 – Inorganic Trace Analysis (ITALab) is high end equipment, allowing for fast scanning and “all elements all time” ICP-ToF-MS detection. The attendees will be introduced into iolite software for image assessment.

Module 3: High resolution-continuum source-graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS) for contaminant analysis (PFAS) – fundamentals and applications

Within Module 3, the working principle, optimization and trouble shooting in HR-CS-GFMAS will be introduced at the application example of PFAS. Upon sample preparation, and analysis, data assessment of the analyzed samples with be demonstrated.