Bench Boost by Inorganic Ventures

Send us Fan Mail Iron is one of the most common and challenging elements to handle in the lab, both as a key analyte and as a potential contaminant. In this episode, we tackle the nuances of working with iron in the lab. From avoiding contamination in your tools and reagents to selecting the right acid combinations for dissolving metals, alloys, and oxides, we cover it all. Discover how to maintai...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the rare yet versatile element rhenium, used in high-temperature applications like turbine blades and jet engines. Learn how to effectively prepare rhenium samples, including best practices for dissolving metals and handling oxides through fusion techniques. We also cover tips for testing on ICP-OES and ICP-MS, with insights on avoiding interferences fr...

Send us Fan Mail This episode focuses on manganese, an essential but often overlooked element in sample preparation and ICP analysis. Learn how manganese behaves in various matrices, from metals and alloys to oxides and organics, and discover tips for avoiding contamination during sample prep. We explore effective dissolution techniques using nitric and hydrochloric acids, strategies to stabilize...

Send us Fan Mail This episode explores the challenges and solutions for working with tungsten in sample preparation and ICP analysis. Learn effective techniques for dissolving tungsten metals, alloys, and oxides, including the critical role of HF for stability. We also cover tips for avoiding hydrolysis and preventing tungsten trioxide formation. On the testing side, discover how to manage spectra...

Send us Fan Mail This episode unpacks the complexities of preparing and analyzing molybdenum samples across various matrices. From metals and alloys to refractory oxides and biological samples, we explore effective methods for dissolution and stability. Learn about molybdenum’s unique behavior, such as its compatibility with ammonium hydroxide matrices and its interactions with HF. Discover tips f...

Send us Fan Mail This episode dives into the challenges and nuances of preparing and analyzing chromium samples. From understanding the differences between chromium’s oxidation states to effective methods for dissolving metals, oxides, and ores, we cover it all. Learn why chromium resists corrosion, how to avoid refractory oxides in organic matrices, and tips for testing Cr using alternative techn...

Send us Fan Mail This episode focuses on the intricacies of preparing and analyzing samples containing niobium and tantalum, two elements with similar geochemistry and behavior. Learn effective methods for dissolving metals, alloys, and oxides using techniques such as HF stabilization and fusion methods, while addressing challenges like signal quenching and purity issues. Discover best practices f...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the versatile and "colorful" chemistry of vanadium in sample preparation and analysis. Learn about effective methods for dissolving vanadium metals, alloys, and oxides, including tips on handling its various oxidation states. Discover practical advice for working with vanadium in different matrices, stability insights, and unique color-change...

Send us Fan Mail This episode explores best practices for preparing and analyzing samples containing zirconium and hafnium. Discover the unique challenges these "geochemical twins" present, from handling metals and oxides with HF to using sodium carbonate and tetraborate fusions. Learn how to maintain stability in solution and avoid common ICP interferences, especially when working with...

Send us Fan Mail This episode covers essential methods for handling titanium in sample prep and analysis, from dissolving titanium alloys and oxides to stabilizing it in solution. Explore the unique challenges of working with titanium, including the need for careful HF handling and tips for preventing hydrolysis. Discover effective techniques for ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing, along with ways to navi...

Send us Fan Mail This episode delves into the complexities of preparing and analyzing samples containing thorium and uranium. Learn how to effectively dissolve metal and oxide samples and explore stability challenges related to HF sensitivity and acid compatibility. We also cover essential ICP-OES and ICP-MS testing strategies, including handling uranium isotopes and understanding the nuances of d...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, our experts tackle the complexities of working with rare earth elements, from sample prep to interference correction. Listen as they explore methods for dissolving rare earth samples and maintaining stability in solution. The team also delves into the challenges of analyzing rare earths using ICP-OES and ICP-MS, including tips for mitigating oxide interferences an...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we focus on scandium, a key element used frequently as an internal standard in ICP analysis. The team dives into important considerations for keeping scandium stable in solution and avoiding HF sensitivity. They also discuss testing strategies using both ICP-OES and ICP-MS, including how to manage potential spectral interferences and optimize your setup for accura...

Send us Fan Mail This week, the team discusses the preparation and analysis of samples containing strontium and barium. Discover the similarities between these elements and calcium, from solubility tips to handling HF sensitivity and sulfate contamination risks. The team also provides insights into testing with ICP-OES and ICP-MS, highlighting key interferences to watch for and ways to improve det...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Bench Boost , we explore the best practices for preparing and analyzing samples containing Calcium. From solubility tips to handling trace levels, this episode covers everything you need to know to keep calcium stable in solution and ensure reliable results. We also dive into testing techniques, with insights on using ICP-OES and ICP-MS for calcium detection, in...

Send us Fan Mail Mike Booth is back with guests Ashley Jones, Liv Forbes, and Autumn Phillips, as they walk you through the critical aspects of preparing magnesium samples—whether you're dealing with metals, oxides, or complex minerals like dolomite. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls such as vigorous reactions during dissolution, potential contamination, and handling HF in your processes. Th...

Send us Fan Mail Host Mike Booth, along with Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones and R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Autumn Phillips, discuss the straightforward yet crucial steps to ensure beryllium remains stable in solution. Learn about the acids and methods best suited for different beryllium sample types, how to prevent hydrolyzation, and the key considerations for testing beryllium using ICP-O...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Bench Boost , we focus on the essential techniques for preparing samples containing group 1 elements: lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium. Host Mike Booth is joined by Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones and R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Autumn Phillips to discuss the specific challenges these elements pose. From handling reactive metals to dealing...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Bench Boost , we wrap up our conversation with CEM Corporation’s Macy Harris and Elaine Hasty. The focus is on overcoming two major hurdles in microwave digestion: contamination and method development. Macy and Elaine provide actionable advice on how to minimize contamination in the lab and select the right acid chemistry for your samples. They also discuss how CEM’s...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Bench Boost , Mike is joined by Macy Harris and Elaine Hasty from CEM Corporation to discuss the benefits of microwave digestion technology. Discover how switching from traditional hot block digestion to microwave can save time, increase consistency, and even eliminate the need for hazardous chemicals like perchloric acid in many cases. Macy and Elaine also walk us th...

Send us Fan Mail Our experts are back this week to tackle more of your pressing technical questions. They discuss key topics such as extending the shelf life of your CRMs, identifying and correcting ICP-MS interferences in the challenging mass range of 60-130, and best practices for analyzing bromide on ICP. From understanding the effects of transpiration on your solutions to leveraging isotopic a...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we're answering some of the most frequently asked questions in the lab. Our R&D chemists, Autumn Phillips and Madeline Gozzi, along with production manager Joey Burns, offer their insights on the best practices for lithium analysis using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Discover how to handle spectral interferences, the role of ionization buffers, and why tuning your ICP-MS...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the team dives into the analytical challenges faced by those working with battery materials, a rapidly growing and complex field. Guest Tyler Farnsworth, PhD, introduces MERGE Chemistry , a division of IV Labs, and shares insights on the company's work in mitigating hydrogen outgassing and improving plating dynamics in long-duration energy storage batteries....

Send us Fan Mail Tune in to learn about the challenges and solutions when mixing stock blends, the importance of proper storage and handling of reagents for discrete analyzers, and tips for maintaining the stability of combined standards. The team also discusses common issues related to nitrite and nitrate in solutions, offering practical advice on pH adjustments and the best practices for ensurin...

Send us Fan Mail This week, the team tackles more frequently asked questions about IC. Learn best practices for IC method development, including identifying analytes, selecting the right columns and eluents, and optimizing run conditions. Discover how to determine the best eluent concentration for accurate measurements, and explore strategies to achieve low detection levels for sample analysis. St...